Vikings Defeat Cowboys 34-26 with J.J. McCarthy's Three Touchdowns
The Minnesota Vikings secured a 34-26 victory over the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 14, 2025. J.J. McCarthy played a pivotal role in the win, accounting for three total touchdowns—one rushing and two passing to Jalen Nailor. McCarthy completed 15 of 24 passes for 250 yards but threw one interception.
Jalen Nailor caught two receiving touchdowns that helped the Vikings’ offense, including the first that tied the game 7-7 and another that extended the lead to 31-23 during a key drive. McCarthy’s opening pass of the game was intercepted by Donovan Wilson after being tipped, with Quinnen Williams recovering the ball.
Dallas took an early 7-0 lead thanks to Javonte Williams, who scored a touchdown following a Cowboys drive aided by a Brandon Aubrey fake field goal on a crucial fourth-and-4. Aubrey missed a 51-yard field goal attempt at halftime and later converted two more field goals in the second half, but all four of his missed field goals this season have been from 50 or more yards.
C.J. Ham contributed a 1-yard rushing touchdown for Minnesota, giving the Vikings a 24-23 lead after the extra point. On the Cowboys' side, Dak Prescott completed 23 of 38 passes for 294 yards but did not throw any passing touchdowns. His leading receiver was CeeDee Lamb, who had 111 yards on six catches, while Justin Jefferson was held without a touchdown reception.
