Playoff hopes on the line again for Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1) are coming off a loss, but still have postseason hopes going into Sunday night’s game against the Minnesota Vikings (5-8).

A win would help the Cowboys keep pace with the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles (8-5) as the regular season winds down.

What can we expect in Sunday’s game? Our columnists and beat writers at The Dallas Morning News give their predictions:

Tim Cowlishaw

Cowboys

Are the Vikings reborn or just revived a bit? Be careful what you make of 31-0 wins over Washington. Minnesota had a big 3-0 edge in turnovers that produced a rout, ending its four-game losing streak. J.J. McCarthy looks healthy enough to at least give them a chance, but hard to see them moving the ball as steadily as Detroit did when they play Sunday night. Cowboys have much to make amends for on both sides of ball (let’s make it three sides with their rotten kick coverage) and they may struggle more than fans would like before putting this one away late.

Cowboys 26, Vikings 23

Joseph Hoyt

Remember when the Cowboys’ defense used to generate turnovers like the Chargers and Eagles displayed on Monday night? That hasn’t been the case for this Dallas defense. Cowboys only have 10 all season. Against J.J. McCarthy and the turnover-prone Vikings, I think that changes. Cowboys get two pivotal interceptions and win a scrappy one.

Cowboys 27, Vikings 24

Damon Marx

The Cowboys blew their best shot at a late-season playoff push with the lackluster effort (ahem, George Pickens) in Detroit. Count on a Pickens rebound this week as he seeks a big payday in the offseason. With CeeDee Lamb out of concussion protocol, the home version (also known as the good version) of the Dallas offense should be in full effect. The Cowboys must win out to have any hope of catching the fading Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East race. They’ll at least take the first step Sunday night.

Cowboys 32, Vikings 24

Abraham Nudelstejer

The Vikings find themselves in the midst of an identity crisis. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy has failed to live up to the lofty expectations of becoming the franchise cornerstone, leaving Minnesota far from the NFC contender they envisioned. Compounding the issue, injuries have ravaged the roster, turning the once-feared purple offense into one of the least productive units in the league. The Cowboys enter Sunday night’s clash at AT&T Stadium with a clear opportunity to secure a crucial late-season victory.

Cowboys 24, Vikings 23

Kevin Sherrington

Fifty years after the Hail Mary, the Cowboys break the Vikings’ hearts again, even if there’s a lot less riding on the outcome this time. Dak Prescott carves up the Minnesota secondary and the defense bounces back at home. Won’t be enough to put the Cowboys back on the playoff track. That’d require a miracle, and these Cowboys, unlike the ’75 bunch, are fresh out.

Cowboys 34, Vikings 27

Calvin Watkins

The Cowboys’ desperation continues against the Vikings. The blitz packages from Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores will cause some problems. But George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb will beat up the secondary. Getting off to a faster start will also help the Cowboys in this game.

Cowboys 20, Vikings 12

50 years ago this month, DMN photographer John Rhodes shot the famous ‘Hail Mary’ play