4 keys to victory for the Vikings vs. the Cowboys in Week 11

Put the game in Andy Dalton’s hands

Losing stud quarterback Dak Prescott to a season-ending injury was a crippling blow that the Cowboys are still trying to get over. Andy Dalton is poised to make his return to the starting lineup after suffering a concussion and then COVID-19, with the signal-caller recently stating that the virus “hit him hard”.

Not the most ideal preparation for a game against the red-hot Minnesota Vikings, who will undoubtedly smell blood after a dominant defensive performance at the Bears. Taking away the running threat of Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard will put the game in Dalton’s hands and it remains to be seen whether this is a challenge he is ready for during his first game back under center.

As stated previously, things have been much more promising across the board for the Vikings since their bye week. This is especially evident on the defensive side of the ball and Mike Zimmer deserves a tremendous amount of credit for making the necessary adjustments and to ensure prominent members of the group were being held more accountable.

5 Vikings players who have been key to their turnaround in 2020

Which Minnesota Vikings players have been key to their sensational turnaround in fortunes following the bye week to put them back in playoff contention?

It was always going to take time given how many established starters on defense left Minnesota during free agency. Things now look to be clicking into place and if they can raise their level of play even more against the Cowboys, it’s going to be a long afternoon for Dalton.