The rivalry between the Minnesota Vikings and the Dallas Cowboys is not as fierce as some of the other NFC matchups, but it did deliver one of the signature plays in NFL history. The term “Hail Mary” pass goes back into the 1920s in the college game, but the first bomb at the end of a game that led to a win in an NFL game came on December 28, 1975. Dallas trailed Minnesota, 14-10, in the waning seconds of the NFC Divisional Championship. Dallas quarterback Roger Stauback threw a 50-yard bomb to wide receiver Drew Pearson, and the touchdown completed the Cowboys’ comeback. In an interview after the game, Staubach told reporters that he “got knocked down on the play…and closed [his] eyes and said a Hail Mary.” Quite a few of those plays have happened in the NFL since then, but this one was the first in the pro ranks. This week, Minnesota and Dallas both consider themselves contenders but are struggling to put together consistent performances. Which team will prevail? Don’t miss our NFL betting preview of this Sunday prime time matchup.
Vikings vs Cowboys 2019 NFL Week 10 Odds & Game Prediction
What’s the biggest thing we have to worry about with the Cowboys’ offense?https://t.co/bGRSmCmaPC
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 5, 2019
- When: Sunday, November 10, 8:20 pm ET
- Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
- TV: NBC
- Radio: Westwood One
- Live Stream: ESPN+
- NFL Week 10 Odds: Dallas -3 / O/U 47.5
Why should you bet on the Vikings?
Minnesota had won four straight before losing to Kansas City last week, 26-23 — and the Chiefs had backup quarterback Matt Moore at the helm. Kirk Cousins had a nice game for the Vikings, going 19 for 38 for 228 yards and three scores, but that low completion rate contributed to some stalled drives for Minnesota. Dalvin Cook put up 71 yards on the ground, but it took him 21 carries. Now the Vikings are 6-3, in second place in the NFC North. The Vikings are only allowing 17.6 points per game, but their defense needs to stiffen up with Dallas coming up on deck.
On the season, Cousins has a TD:INT ratio of 16:3, which is a terrific job of ball security. Stefon Diggs has seen a bit of a resurgence since the opening weeks of the season, and he now has 38 receptions for 710 yards and four scores. Cook is already close to a 1,000-yard season, with 894 yards in nine games, and nine touchdowns. Wide receiver Adam Thielen is questionable coming into Sunday night; if he is not available, the Cowboys will be able to key on Diggs in their secondary. If you like the Vikings, you see their preparation paying off — Dallas tends to start slowly, which has led to them falling into some big holes in their three losses this year.
Why should you put your money on the Cowboys?
Dallas currently leads the NFC East with a 5-3 record after their 37-18 win over the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. That was their sixth straight win over the Giants, although the game was a lot closer than the score indicated, with Dallas getting a pair of late touchdowns, including a scoop and score on a Daniel Jones fumble by cornerback Jourdan Lewis. In the win, Dak Prescott went 22 for 35 for 257 yards and three scores, along with an early interception. Wide receiver Amari Cooper overcame some knee woes to catch four passes for 80 yards and a score. Tailback Ezekiel Elliott pounded the ball for 139 yards on 23 attempts.
On the defensive side of the ball, Dallas has permitted 17.8 points per game. However, starters Jeff Heath and Leighton Vander Esch are both questionable going into next week. Vander Esch missed the Giants game as well, but Sean Lee filled in quite well for him at linebacker, delivering an exclamation point with a huge hit on Saquon Barkley that squelched a screen pass for a seven-point loss. If you like Dallas, you see them taking advantage of their weapons and delivering a home win.
Final Score Prediction
To be honest, I don’t put down a lot of money on Dallas games. You just don’t know which team will show up, and what their effort and execution levels will be like in the first half. With that said, on paper, the Cowboys have the weapons to win this game — but the Vikings will push them hard, particularly on offense. I predict a final score of Minnesota 27, Dallas 24.
