ARLINGTON, Texas (Interstat) — J.J. McCarthy threw two touchdown passes and engineered a critical fourth-quarter drive that led to a clinching field goal, lifting the Minnesota Vikings to a 34-26 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at AT&T Stadium.

The win, before an announced crowd of 92,991, improved the Vikings to 6-8, while the Cowboys fell to 6-7-1 in a matchup of teams fighting to stay in the NFC playoff picture. The result defied pregame projections, as most statistical models heavily favored the Cowboys at home.

The game’s most important sequence began with Minnesota leading 30-23 early in the fourth quarter. After Dallas kicker Brandon Aubrey missed a 59-yard field goal attempt wide right, the Vikings took over at their own 41. McCarthy, the second-year quarterback from La Grange Park, Illinois, methodically moved Minnesota downfield. He connected with tight end Josh Oliver for 18 yards and then found T.J. Hockenson for another 18, setting up first-and-goal. On the next play, McCarthy hit a sliding Jalen Nailor for a 4-yard touchdown, extending the Vikings’ lead to 34-23 with 9:12 remaining.

Dallas responded with a drive deep into Minnesota territory, but the Vikings’ defense stiffened, forcing the Cowboys to settle for a 41-yard Aubrey field goal with 19 seconds left, cutting the deficit to 34-26. The ensuing onside kick was recovered by Minnesota’s Oliver, allowing McCarthy to take a knee and seal the victory.

McCarthy finished an efficient 15 of 24 for 250 yards and the two scores, continuing his strong recent play following a 31-0 win over Washington the previous week. His primary target was Hockenson, who caught four passes for 66 yards. Jordan Addison added two receptions for 66 yards, including a 58-yard catch-and-run that set up a score. Nailor caught both of McCarthy’s touchdown throws, a 20-yarder in the first quarter and the crucial fourth-quarter score.

For Dallas, quarterback Dak Prescott was 23 of 38 for 294 yards but could not find the end zone through the air, relying on the run game and field goals. The Cowboys’ offense was powered by running back Javonte Williams, who rushed for 91 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Malik Davis added a 1-yard touchdown run. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was Prescott’s top target, hauling in six catches for 111 yards.

The Cowboys’ defense, however, could not contain McCarthy when it mattered most and struggled to get off the field on third downs. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown led Dallas with seven tackles, while safety Malik Hooker had six. The unit did produce an early turnover, as defensive tackle Quinnen Williams intercepted a McCarthy pass on the game’s opening drive.

That takeaway led to a methodical 13-play, 67-yard Dallas drive, capped by Williams’ 1-yard plunge to give the Cowboys a 7-0 lead. Minnesota answered quickly, with McCarthy finding Nailor for a 20-yard touchdown to tie the game. The teams traded scores and field goals throughout the first half, with Minnesota taking a 17-14 lead on a 1-yard McCarthy scramble and a 29-yard Will Reichard field goal. Dallas tied it just before halftime on a 37-yard Aubrey kick.

The third quarter was a battle of field position and field goals. Aubrey connected from 26 and 41 yards, while Reichard was true from 29 yards. The Vikings reclaimed the lead late in the third when fullback C.J. Ham powered in from a yard out, making it 30-23 after Reichard’s extra point.

Aubrey’s two missed field goals, from 51 and 59 yards, proved costly for Dallas, leaving critical points off the board in a tight contest. The Cowboys also were penalized seven times for 40 yards, including a key illegal contact penalty in the red zone that extended Minnesota’s third-quarter touchdown drive.

Defensively for Minnesota, linebacker Blake Cashman was everywhere, recording a game-high 11 tackles. Safety Joshua Metellus and linebacker Eric Wilson each had seven tackles.

The Vikings now travel to face the New York Giants next Sunday, while the Cowboys will host the Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams remain on the fringe of the postseason chase, making every remaining game a virtual must-win.