Two teams with different objectives meet tonight when the Dallas Cowboys host the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings are in the process to see if their often injured young quarterback is ready for the rigors of the National Football League. The Cowboys are still in the process to see if they can overcome early season problems with a suspect defense and first-year head coach and earn a postseason slot.
Dallas didn’t get any help earlier today as the team they are chasing in the NFC East, the Philadelphia Eagles, won big at home over the Las Vegas Raiders. So, Dallas knows this, they have to win and hope for help to crack the playoff field.
Two weeks ago, the Vikings loss to the Seattle Seahawks, their fourth straight setback, eliminated any realistic hope of a postseason appearance. Then, after being eliminated, they came up with a big effort last Sunday in a 31-0 triumph over the Washington Commanders.
Teams have a habit of playing well after being eliminated and removing any pressure to win. Will that be enough to beat the Cowboys in Dallas tonight?
It certainly is enough of a reason to not lay points in this contest. The homesteading Cowboys are currently favored by 5½ points. Not a number I’m inclined to lay in this spot.