Vikings vs. Cowboys: What Does History Tell Us?

The divisional playoff round is upon us. If we've learned anything from the wild wildcard weekend, it was be prepared to expect the unexpected.

This week the 12-5 Dallas Cowboys visit the 12-4 Minnesota Vikings.

This one is just too close to pick. Many are calling it a coin toss.

Minnesota, who finished second in the league in scoring, matches up against the second best scoring defense of Dallas.

It's the second-ranked offense of the Cowboys against the sixth best defense of the Vikings.

Sure, the Vikings are undefeated at home. However, if the fortunes of two plays in the waning seconds against San Francisco (week three) and Baltimore (week six) are reversed, they are 6-2 and this game might be taking place in Dallas, if at all. 

One stat that favors the Vikings is their 4-1 record against playoff teams compared to 3-2 for the Cowboys.

Still can't pick a winner?

A look at the history of these two franchises may not help.

The Cowboys joined the NFL in 1960. They have an overall record of 434-314-6.

The Vikings joined a year later in 1961. Their record in 407-326-9.

These two teams have met 20 times in the regular season with each team winning ten games. The average score for those ten games: Dallas 22.8, Vikings 22.6.

The Cowboys hold an edge in the playoffs, winning four of six contests. The last time they met was in 1999 at the Metrodome; Minnesota won 27-10.

The 1975 Vikings are considered to be one of the best Vikings teams ever.

The Fran Tarkenton-led Vikings had a 12-2 regular season record and were looking for their third straight Superbowl appearance.

With time running out and the Vikings leading the Cowboys 14-10, Roger Staubach launched a long pass downfield to Drew Pearson, who appeared to have pushed off prior to making the catch that scored the game-winning touchdown. The result was a devasting 17-14 loss. This was the birth of the "Hail Mary."

A look at the playoff history for both teams shows a significant advantage for the Cowboys.

Dallas has a 33-24 playoff record, including 5-3 in the Super Bowl, while the Vikings have a losing record of 18-25 in the playoffs with an 0-4 mark in the Super Bowl.

For many Vikings fans there is always that negative feeling going into the playoffs. This franchise just cannot get over the hump.

In 1998 they went 15-1. Until that season, only two other teams had achieved that record, and both had gone on to win the Super Bowl. 

Whatever curse, or mojo, or black cloud that hangs over the Vikings, it struck again in the championship game against Atlanta. Gary Anderson missed only one field goal that year, and it cost them another chance to go to the Super Bowl.

In 2000 the Vikings went 11-5. They had arguably the best wide receiver tandem in the league with Randy Moss and Cris Carter. They defeated New Orleans in the divisional round of the playoffs and faced the New York Giants in the championship game. This time they came out flat and finished weak losing 41-0.

So comparing the 2009 statistics of the Cowboys and Vikings, as well as their record against each other, suggests a very even game. The oddsmakers have this one a pick-em with the Vikings getting three points as the home team.

Yeah, this one is a coin toss.

Based on history, I say:

Heads—Cowboys win.

Tails—Vikings lose.