Another test awaits the Dallas Cowboys in Week 13, although they'll present the Minnesota Vikings with quite the bar exam themselves.

It'll be the third time in the past four games Dallas has faced one of the better defenses in the NFL, and they've put the others to bed quite effectively. It would behoove them, however, to not assume the same will occur with they land in Minneapolis on Thursday.

The Vikings are a monstrous bunch who play for keeps, and the fact they're also fighting for their playoff lives only adds more motivation.

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In breaking down Minnesota, what stands out the most is exactly how duplicitous the team has been through the first 12 weeks of the season.

It's the defense of the Vikings that carries the most concern for opposing teams as they are masterful at getting after the quarterback and taking the ball away. It's clearly a deal of 'one hand washes the other', as it's the pressure from the stout front that forces QBs to make poor decisions. And when those arid throws are made, Minnesota doesn't let the opportunity to gain an extra possession slip through their fingers.

They are third in the NFL with 12 interceptions through 11 games and have sacked the opposing signal caller a total of 28 times (2.5 times per game). Pass rushers like Everson Griffen (6.0 sacks) and Danielle Hunter (7.5 sacks) simply excel at getting into the opponent's backfield and wreaking havoc.

In assessing their defense, it's not all formidable. They have a genuine soft spot in the heart of their front that can be exploited with a strong run game -- which is precisely what the Cowboys will be bringing to town.

The Vikes bend rather effortlessly to the run, yielding 100.2 yards per game on the ground. For contrast, rookie Ezekiel Elliott averages 109 weekly. This nearly assures Elliott will reach his average and likely a lot more, as Dallas looks to neutralize the Minnesota pass rush and reduce the chances of their secondary stealing possessions.

Turning to the other side of the ball, the Vikings are as one-dimensional as anyone will find in today's NFL.

Their offense is ranked 32nd in rushing having mustered a measly average of 71.7 yards per game, leaving quarterback Sam Bradford to shoulder the entirety of the offensive load. Having a porous offensive line doesn't help their case and has allowed Bradford to be sacked 26 times this year.

For a Cowboys team that can't consistently get a pass rush, it'll be paramount they do so against a Vikings team that's willing to let them. It's the best way to neutralize players like Stefon Diggs and Co. -- by outright bullying Bradford.

The formula for beating the Vikings is not rocket science, but if they force the Cowboys to play from behind it will be anything but a walk in the park.