Both teams have skill position stars. But it's defense that carries the Vikings and Cowboys, both of whom rank in the top-five in fewest points allowed per game. 
Bad offensive lines don't travel well. That could be the case here for the Vikings. I don't trust Kirk Cousins on the road against an elite defense either. Minneota could be without its most consistent wide receiver, too, with Adam Thielen reinjuring his hamstring last Sunday and not practicing this week. 
The Cowboys have faced just one elite defense - the Saints. They were held to a season-low 10 points by New Orleans.The Vikings' defense is just as good if not better.
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer is familiar with the Cowboys. He was a defensive assistant there for many years. Zimmer is conservative coach. He's going to pound the ball and play for field position. The Vikings have gone below the total in nine of their last 11 NFC matchups.
The Cowboys are going to look to feed Ezekiel Elliott. Dallas' two best wide receivers, Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup, are both banged-up and at less than 100 percent. 
There should be a lot of running with Elliott and Dalvin Cook. So the clock will keep moving at a brisk pace with few stoppages.