Quick answer
- Winner
- Dallas Cowboys
- Final score
- Dallas Cowboys 20–16 Minnesota Vikings
- Halftime
- Dallas Cowboys 3–13 Minnesota Vikings at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- CeeDee Lamb
- Top passer
- Cooper Rush
- Biggest EPA play
- (14:18) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush pass deep middle to 1-C.Wilson for 73 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Game date
- 2021-10-31
Game summary
The Dallas Cowboys beat the Minnesota Vikings 20–16 on 2021-10-31, overcoming Minnesota Vikings's 13–3 halftime lead. CeeDee Lamb posted a game-high +7.89 total EPA in the receiving.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 17 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Dallas Cowboys | 0 | 3 | 10 | 14 | 0 | 20 |
 Minnesota Vikings | 7 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 16 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
DALDallas Cowboys
(11:55) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 19-A.Thielen for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.
(6:13) 2-G.Zuerlein 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger.
(1:49) 1-G.Joseph 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.
(1:44) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush pass short left to 21-E.Elliott to DAL 28 for 3 yards (55-A.Barr).
(14:18) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush pass deep middle to 1-C.Wilson for 73 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
2-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger.
(6:36) 1-G.Joseph 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.
(:08) 2-G.Zuerlein 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger.
(2:54) 1-G.Joseph 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.
(:55) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush pass short left to 19-A.Cooper for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
2-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger.
2-G.Zuerlein kicks 65 yards from DAL 35 to end zone, Touchback.
MINMinnesota VikingsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q1 11:55TD Adam ThielenPoints+6
- Yard line
- DAL 20
- Score
- 0-6
(11:55) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 19-A.Thielen for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q1 11:49XP Greg JosephPoints+1
- Yard line
- DAL 15
- Score
- 0-7
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q2 6:13FG Greg ZuerleinPoints+3
- Yard line
- MIN 20
- Score
- 3-7
(6:13) 2-G.Zuerlein 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q2 1:49FG Greg JosephPoints+3
- Yard line
- DAL 26
- Score
- 3-10
(1:49) 1-G.Joseph 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q2 1:44FG Cooper RushPoints+3
- Yard line
- MIN 75
- Score
- 3-10
(1:44) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush pass short left to 21-E.Elliott to DAL 28 for 3 yards (55-A.Barr).
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q3 14:18TD Cedrick Wilson Jr.Points+6
- Yard line
- MIN 73
- Score
- 9-10
(14:18) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush pass deep middle to 1-C.Wilson for 73 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q3 14:07XP Greg ZuerleinPoints+1
- Yard line
- MIN 15
- Score
- 10-10
2-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q3 6:36FG Greg JosephPoints+3
- Yard line
- DAL 22
- Score
- 10-13
(6:36) 1-G.Joseph 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q3 0:08FG Greg ZuerleinPoints+3
- Yard line
- MIN 21
- Score
- 13-13
(:08) 2-G.Zuerlein 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q4 2:54FG Greg JosephPoints+3
- Yard line
- DAL 5
- Score
- 13-16
(2:54) 1-G.Joseph 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q4 0:55TD Amari CooperPoints+6
- Yard line
- MIN 5
- Score
- 19-16
(:55) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush pass short left to 19-A.Cooper for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q4 0:51XP Greg ZuerleinPoints+1
- Yard line
- MIN 15
- Score
- 20-16
2-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger.
- DALDallas Cowboys
Q4 0:51TD Greg ZuerleinPoints+7
- Yard line
- DAL 35
- Score
- 20-16
2-G.Zuerlein kicks 65 yards from DAL 35 to end zone, Touchback.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1
CeeDee Lamb · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +7.89 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.99 EPA/play - 2Cedrick Wilson Jr. · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +7.38 total EPA · 3 snaps · +2.46 EPA/play
- 3Amari Cooper · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +6.01 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.46 EPA/play
- 4Adam Thielen · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +3.94 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.44 EPA/play
- 5Cedrick Wilson Jr. · Dallas Cowboys · Passing · +2.58 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.58 EPA/play
- 6Cooper Rush · Dallas Cowboys · Passing · +1.68 total EPA · 49 snaps · +0.03 EPA/play
- 7
Ezekiel Elliott · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +1.57 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play - 8
Tony Pollard · Dallas Cowboys · Rushing · +1.49 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
CeeDee Lamb — DAL · Receiving
CeeDee Lamb posted the highest total EPA (+7.89) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Dallas Cowboys. Across 8 counted snaps, they averaged +0.99 EPA per play.
CeeDee Lamb's top snap (+2.98 EPA): (11:22) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush pass short right to 88-C.Lamb to MIN 47 for 19 yards (22-H.Smith; 55-A.Barr).
Biggest single play (+7.28 EPA): Cooper Rush — (14:18) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush pass deep middle to 1-C.Wilson for 73 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
Cooper Rush led all passers in efficiency for Dallas Cowboys, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys) · 49 dropbacks · 49.0% completion · -5.4% CPOE · +0.03 EPA/play · +1.68 total EPA
Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) · 42 dropbacks · 54.8% completion · -2.7% CPOE · -0.16 EPA/play · -6.72 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Dallas Cowboys | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.038 | -0.115 |
| Offensive success rate | 40.0% | 33.3% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.085 | -0.174 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.114 | -0.176 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.115 | +0.038 |
| Defensive success rate | 66.7% | 60.0% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, Dallas Cowboys generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.04 vs -0.12), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Dallas Cowboys: -0.04 EPA/play (41st percentile vs. 2021 team-game averages)
- Minnesota Vikings: -0.12 EPA/play (25th percentile vs. 2021 team-game averages)
- Dallas Cowboys: 11 drives, -3.45 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 12 drives, -9.66 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Minnesota Vikings — Adam Thielen (Kirk Cousins pass)
- Dallas Cowboys — Cedrick Wilson Jr. (Cooper Rush pass)
- Dallas Cowboys — Amari Cooper (Cooper Rush pass)
Field goals
- Dallas Cowboys — Greg Zuerlein
- Minnesota Vikings — Greg Joseph
- Minnesota Vikings — Cooper Rush
- Minnesota Vikings — Greg Joseph
- Dallas Cowboys — Greg Zuerlein
- Minnesota Vikings — Greg Joseph
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 7–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the DAL 20 (Q1 11:55) — (11:55) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 19-A.Thielen for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the DAL 15 (Q1 11:49) — 1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry..
The second quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 6–3. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the MIN 20 (Q2 6:13) — (6:13) 2-G.Zuerlein 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the DAL 26 (Q2 1:49) — (1:49) 1-G.Joseph 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the MIN 75 (Q2 1:44) — (1:44) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush pass short left to 21-E.Elliott to DAL 28 for 3 yards (55-A.Barr)..
The third quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 10–3. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the MIN 73 (Q3 14:18) — (14:18) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush pass deep middle to 1-C.Wilson for 73 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q3 14:07) — 2-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the DAL 22 (Q3 6:36) — (6:36) 1-G.Joseph 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the MIN 21 (Q3 0:08) — (:08) 2-G.Zuerlein 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger..
The fourth quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 14–3. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the DAL 5 (Q4 2:54) — (2:54) 1-G.Joseph 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the MIN 5 (Q4 0:55) — (:55) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush pass short left to 19-A.Cooper for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q4 0:51) — 2-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the DAL 35 (Q4 0:51) — 2-G.Zuerlein kicks 65 yards from DAL 35 to end zone, Touchback..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q3 14:18) — (14:18) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush pass deep middle to 1-C.Wilson for 73 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 1:04) — (1:04) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush pass short left to 21-E.Elliott to MIN 5 for 15 yards (27-C.Dantzler) [98-D.Wonnum].
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 2:46) — (2:46) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush pass deep right to 19-A.Cooper to MIN 42 for 33 yards (22-H.Smith).
- Dallas Cowboys (Q3 2:06) — (2:06) 1-C.Wilson pass deep right to 88-C.Lamb pushed ob at MIN 23 for 35 yards (22-H.Smith).
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 0:55) — (:55) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush pass short left to 19-A.Cooper for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q3 14:18) — (14:18) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush pass deep middle to 1-C.Wilson for 73 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q4 10:03) — (10:03) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush sacked at DAL 47 for -8 yards (23-X.Woods). FUMBLES (23-X.Woods) [23-X.Woods], RECOVERED by MIN-55-A.Barr at MIN 48.
- Dallas Cowboys (Q2 14:27) — (14:27) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush pass deep middle intended for 89-B.Jarwin INTERCEPTED by 23-X.Woods (22-H.Smith) at MIN 28. 23-X.Woods to MIN 40 for 12 yards (89-B.Jarwin).
- Dallas Cowboys (Q1 5:24) — (5:24) 2-G.Zuerlein 43 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 11:55 · DAL 20 · Score 0-6
(11:55) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 19-A.Thielen for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 11:49 · DAL 15 · Score 0-7
1-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry. - Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q2 6:13 · MIN 20 · Score 3-7
(6:13) 2-G.Zuerlein 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 1:49 · DAL 26 · Score 3-10
(1:49) 1-G.Joseph 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 1:44 · MIN 75 · Score 3-10
(1:44) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush pass short left to 21-E.Elliott to DAL 28 for 3 yards (55-A.Barr). - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q3 14:18 · MIN 73 · Score 9-10
(14:18) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush pass deep middle to 1-C.Wilson for 73 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q3 14:07 · MIN 15 · Score 10-10
2-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q3 6:36 · DAL 22 · Score 10-13
(6:36) 1-G.Joseph 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry. - Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q3 0:08 · MIN 21 · Score 13-13
(:08) 2-G.Zuerlein 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 2:54 · DAL 5 · Score 13-16
(2:54) 1-G.Joseph 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-3-J.Berry. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q4 0:55 · MIN 5 · Score 19-16
(:55) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush pass short left to 19-A.Cooper for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q4 0:51 · MIN 15 · Score 20-16
2-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-5-B.Anger. - Dallas Cowboys TD (+7) — Q4 0:51 · DAL 35 · Score 20-16
2-G.Zuerlein kicks 65 yards from DAL 35 to end zone, Touchback.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Dallas Cowboys earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- CeeDee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- Cooper Rush (DAL) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Dallas Cowboys vs Minnesota Vikings on 2021-10-31?
The Dallas Cowboys beat the Minnesota Vikings 20-16 in Week 8, 2021.
What was the score by quarter in Dallas Cowboys vs Minnesota Vikings?
Q1: Dallas Cowboys 0, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q2: Dallas Cowboys 3, Minnesota Vikings 6; Q3: Dallas Cowboys 10, Minnesota Vikings 3; Q4: Dallas Cowboys 14, Minnesota Vikings 3; Final: Dallas Cowboys 20, Minnesota Vikings 16.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Dallas Cowboys vs Minnesota Vikings?
Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Thielen (K. Cousins pass) (Q1 11:55) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — C. Wilson (C. Rush pass) (Q3 14:18) Dallas Cowboys touchdown — A. Cooper (C. Rush pass) (Q4 0:55) Dallas Cowboys field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q2 6:13, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — G. Joseph (Q2 1:49, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — C. Rush (Q2 1:44, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — G. Joseph (Q3 6:36, 3 pts) Dallas Cowboys field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q3 0:08, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — G. Joseph (Q4 2:54, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Dallas Cowboys vs Minnesota Vikings?
Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys), 49.0% completion, -5.4% CPOE, +0.03 EPA per dropback, +1.68 total passing EPA. Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), 54.8% completion, -2.7% CPOE, -0.16 EPA per dropback, -6.72 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Dallas Cowboys vs Minnesota Vikings?
CeeDee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +7.89 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 8 snaps. Their top snap (+2.98 EPA): (11:22) (Shotgun) 10-C.Rush pass short right to 88-C.Lamb to MIN 47 for 19 yards (22-H.Smith; 55-A.Barr)..
Was Dallas Cowboys vs Minnesota Vikings a close game?
Yes — the margin was 4 points. Dallas Cowboys won 20-16 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.
Season records after this game
Dallas Cowboys
Entered 5-1 Now 6-1 W
Minnesota Vikings
Entered 3-3 Now 3-4 L
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