5 fast facts you need to know about Cowboys vs. Vikings
The Dallas Cowboys look to continue their 10-game winning streak when they face off Thursday against a Minnesota Vikings team that remains second in scoring defense, allowing 17.5 points per game.
Here are five fast facts you need to know about the matchup:
Dak Prescott on pace to tie rookie passing TD record
Prescott is taking the NFL by storm, throwing 18 touchdowns against two interceptions in 11 games. The Cowboys' quarterback is on pace for 26 touchdowns, which would tie Russell Wilson and Peyton Manning for the rookie record.
Ezekiel Elliott on pace to become fifth rookie to win rushing title
Elliott's superlative campaign continues well into Week 11, leading the NFL in rushing by a comfortable margin with 1,199 yards. Elliott looks to join Earl Campbell, George Rogers, Eric Dickerson, and Edgerrin James as the only rookies to capture the rushing title in their first years since the NFL-AFL merger.
Sam Bradford ranks 2nd in completion percentage
The NFL is amid its golden age of quarterbacking, so it's hard to believe Bradford ranks second in completion percentage (71.3 percent), trailing only Matt Ryan for the league lead. Bradford's been scrutinized for not taking shots downfield, but he's been very efficient in distributing the ball to numerous receivers throughout the season.
The Cowboys don't have a pass rusher among top 60 in sacks
Dallas ranks fifth in scoring defense (19.4 points allowed per game) but its pass rush hasn't been living up to its end of the bargain. Defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford leads the Cowboys with 3.5 sacks, placing him in a tie for 60th among all players. Jack Crawford ranks second on the team with 2.5 sacks, tied for 99th league-wide.
Vikings rank 2nd in turnover differential
Turnover differential is one of the best predictive stats in determining whether a team can be sustainably successful, and the Vikings remain hyperefficient this season. The Vikings recorded 20 takeaways and gave the ball away a mere eight times through 11 games, with their defense looking to jar the ball loose at any given moment.