The Dallas Cowboys desperately needed a win in Week 15 to feel better about their playoff chances. They had a decent chance of doing so, especially after going on a three-game winning streak against the Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, and Kansas City Chiefs.
But after a loss to the Detroit Lions, the Cowboys could not afford any losses, especially to a team that is outside the playoff picture in the Minnesota Vikings.
Instead, the Cowboys couldn't hold off the Vikings' offense, led by J.J. McCarthy, losing 34-26. McCarthy had been wildly inconsistent this year in his first season as the starting quarterback, but he completed 15-of-24 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns.