EAGAN, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings will finish their sixth straight season without winning a playoff game, eight years removed from their last NFC championship game appearance and almost a half-century since they last made the Super Bowl. Their head start on roster planning for 2026 is going rather well, at least.

Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy revealed the "secret sauce" to his improvement in recent weeks after his win over the Cowboys.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy defied his head coach's orders when he Griddy'd his way into the end zone in Sunday's 34-26 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Vikings legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Cris Carter has not held back his skepticism around J.J. McCarthy at times this season. And even after the best game of the young quarterback's career on Sunday night, Carter still doesn't sound like a believer.

McCarthy's first throw of the primetime matchup was deflected by the Cowboys, with the ball going to Quinnen Williams. If that was a sign of things to come, it is going to be a long night for the 22-year-old signal-caller.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy lofts a 23-yard pass to wide receiver Jalen Nailor. Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockeson snatches a 29-yard pass from quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

- 5:20 left in the fourth: The Cowboys have another injury to keep track of. Left tackle Nate Thomas was deemed questionable to return with a shoulder injury. Hakeem Adeniji is in at LT for Dallas.

McCarthy, Minnesota’s 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has been a revelation for the Vikings this season. In seven games played thus far, the former Michigan Wolverines star has completed 102-of-182 passes (56.0%) for 1,092 yards and nine touchdowns. He also has 29 carries for 139 yards and two rushing TDs.