The Minnesota Vikings' Week 8 slate will be an uphill battle as they try to deal an upset win over the visiting Dallas Cowboys. However, Kirk Cousins and his squad do have a window of opportunity with the playing status of opposing QB Dak Prescott still up in the air due to a calf injury. The home team's bid for their third straight victory surely makes the Vikings-Cowboys matchup a must-watch, especially for their supportive fans.

On the other side, head coach Mike McCarthy will try to navigate the game with his playmaker not in full strength. Despite the odds, a sixth straight victory is still up for grabs if the Cowboys get to deliver the goods and step up in their respective roles during the game. A battle of two teams with winning momentum will certainly be an entertaining game to keep an eye on for Week 8 action.

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Minnesota Vikings Week 8 Predictions

4. The defense led by the pass-rushers will step up to contain the Cowboys' offensive attack.

Heading to the game, Vikings defensive coordinator Andre Patterson will have to ensure that his men are all on the same page as they face a competent offensive line of the Cowboys. So far, Minnesota has been doing an excellent job of taking down opposing quarterbacks as they are tied for leading the league in sacks with 21 through Week 7.

Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter and a former Cowboy in Everson Griffen have both established a terrorizing presence in the trenches. Aside from them, Patterson can also count on safety Harrison Smith to lead the secondary defense as he has been serving as one of their most consistent defenders thus far.

Certainly enough, the Vikings' defensive unit will have to do its job in order to limit the Cowboys' offense that can quickly put up points across the board.

3. Dalvin Cook will score a rushing touchdown for the Vikings. 

The Cowboys may have one of the best rushing defenses in the league but it will surely be tested when they face the Vikings backfield led by Dalvin Cook. After suffering an ankle injury early in the season, the two-time Pro Bowler has already proven that he is back in the swing of things for the Vikings. He recently came out with a huge performance of 140 yards on 29 carries and a touchdown to grab a win over the Carolina Panthers last week.

As usual, Cook is expected to gain his fair share of touches and serve as a major threat on the field, regardless of their opponents. Though the 26-year-old will be facing a tough challenge against the Cowboys' defense, QB Kirk Cousins will surely find him and set him up to score at least a rushing TD in the game.

2. Justin Jefferson will lead the receiving unit with at least 100 yards. 

Another Vikings offensive player that will be tested is receiver Justin Jefferson who is set to match up against Trevon Diggs. The Cowboys CB has been torching the league with the number of interceptions that he continues to produce. However, he also gives up a ton of yardage to his counterparts which allows the opposing offense to push the ball quickly down the field.

With Jefferson's route-running and pass-catching abilities, he is still expected to grab the balls being thrown at his way even with Diggs covering him. Like Dalvin Cook, the LSU product also had a huge game as he produced 80 yards on eight catches against the Panthers.

In Week 8, Jefferson is expected to tally similar numbers and reach at least 100 yards in a bid to lift the Vikings' offensive attack over the opposing defense.

1. The Vikings will narrowly win against the Cowboys and improve to a 4-3 record.

The availability of Cowboys QB Dak Prescott will be a huge factor in deciding the result of this matchup. If he manages to play then his team will get to set up their offense properly which will give them a major advantage on the field.

However, if Prescott fails to suit up then the Vikings will gain a significant opportunity to run away with the upset victory at home. Ultimately, Mike Zimmer's squad is capable of keeping the score close against stronger opponents like what they did against the Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals to start the season.

They are also playing better than what their 3-3 record shows which means that they are capable of pulling off surprises, especially at home. It will surely be a close one but the Vikings can get a narrow win with the premise that Dak Prescott isn't in full health for Week 8 action.