Cowboys...24 Vikings...14

IRVING, Texas -- Chris Canty swatted a potential go-ahead field-goal try and Pat Watkins returned it 68 yards for a go-ahead touchdown, sending Dallas past the Minnesota Vikings, 24-14, in a game the Cowboys dominated but nearly gave away.

Dallas bounced back from a lopsided home loss to New England and guaranteed itself at least two more weeks atop the NFC because of an upcoming open week. During the time off, the Cowboys can savor being 6-1 for the first time since 1995 (their last Super Bowl season) and having beaten the Vikings for the first time since 1996.

Rookie Adrian Peterson had 63 yards rushing for Minnesota (2-4) a week after rushing for 224 yards against Chicago.

Tony Romo was 31 for 39 for 277 yards, with a touchdown and a fumble for the Cowboys. He had 231 yards passing at halftime, but was slowed by what appeared to be a hamstring injury suffered while chasing a Minnesota fumble return for a touchdown late in the second quarter.

Quoteworthy: “For some reason, we’ve been behind every game. We seem to keep our poise.” -- Wade Phillips, Cowboys coach