The Minnesota Vikings are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, but that doesn't mean the team is done trying to win football games. Not only do they want to see continued development from their young players, but they also have the opportunity to play spoiler to other teams.
On "Sunday Night Football" in Week 15, the Vikings traveled to Texas to take on the Dallas Cowboys. The game was a must-win for quarterback Dak Prescott and his team, but Minnesota got the upset in a 34-26 win on the road.
Aside from an early tipped interception, the purple and gold saw the progression they had hoped for. Young quarterback J.J. McCarthy looked solid, the defense was tough, and players stepped up when they needed to.
Let's take a look at five players for Minnesota who made a big impact on Sunday night against the Cowboys.
Minnesota Vikings Winners and Losers from their Week 15 win over the Dallas Cowboys
Vikings Winner No. 1
Jalen Nailor - WR
Wide receiver Jalen Nailor continues to be the favorite target of McCarthy. He caught both touchdowns thrown by the Vikings quarterback, snagging three total grabs for 47 yards while other pass catchers struggled.
Vikings Loser No. 1
Justin Jefferson - WR
Speaking of struggling pass catchers, star receiver Justin Jefferson got some looks from McCarthy but couldn't haul in many of them. Plus, he had a touchdown catch called back for a procedural penalty. He had eight total targets in the game, but only caught two of them for 22 yards.
Vikings Winner No. 2
Will Reichard - K
Minnesota was facing a team that arguably has the best kicker in the league. Dallas' Brandon Aubrey is usually automatic, but he missed two long kicks. Meanwhile, Will Reichard was flawless once again, going two-for-two on field goals and making all four extra point tries.
Vikings Loser No. 2
Christian Darrisaw - LT
Starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw didn't play against Dallas, but that's not the major problem. He has struggled to stay healthy all season and forced Justin Skule into the starting lineup again. It should be time for the Vikings to just shut him down for the year and focus on having him ready for 2026.
Vikings Winner No. 3
Blake Cashman - ILB
Minnesota's defense doesn't always get as much attention and credit as it deserves. It would be easy to pick quite a few players from this unit who played well, but linebacker Blake Cashman led the team in tackles with 11 and defended a pass against an explosive Dallas offense.