The Cowboys and Vikings face off in a crucial Sunday Night Football matchup, with uncertainty surrounding Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott's availability due to a calf strain. If Prescott can't play, backup Cooper Rush will take the helm for Dallas.

The Cowboys' offensive approach will vary significantly based on who starts at quarterback. With Rush, expect a more conservative game plan focused on running back Ezekiel Elliott, allowing Minnesota's defense to stack the box. Rush has been taking first-team reps in practice, suggesting he may get the start.

Minnesota enters at 3-3, having won three of their last four games. While they're favored by 2.5 points, they learned last year not to underestimate Dallas's backup quarterbacks - they lost to Andy Dalton-led Cowboys as 7-point favorites, giving up 31 points and three touchdown passes.

Key Factors:

• Dallas's defense must step up, especially if working with a backup QB or injured Prescott
• Kirk Cousins needs to avoid turnovers against an opportunistic Cowboys defense that's thrived on creating takeaways
• Vikings will look to capitalize on potential offensive limitations if Rush starts
• Dallas needs strong defensive performance to compensate for potentially limited scoring

The Vikings have Kirk Cousins healthy and ready to go, but must avoid the same fate as last year when they fell to a backup Cowboys quarterback. The game's outcome likely hinges on quarterback availability and defensive performance from both teams.

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