Where: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas (turf, indoors/outdoors)
When: Sunday, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Spread: Cowboys by 2.5
Forecast: Indoors
Records: Cowboys (8-6; NFC East 3-2); Saints (6-8; NFC South 3-2)
Past results: Two most recent meetings – Nov. 25, 2010: Saints 30, Cowboys 27; Dec. 19, 2009: Cowboys 24, Saints 17. Series record: Cowboys lead 15-9.
What matters: Although Tony Romo is having another career season and the Cowboys have a chance to have three 1,000-yard receivers for the first time in franchise history, the key to this game might be how they run the ball. DeMarco Murray has been back from a foot injury for three games and his presence has been felt. Not only does he have a rushing touchdown in each of the last three games, but the Cowboys have also been able to score off play-action passes. Plus, if Murray and the running game can sustain drives, it’ll keep Drew Brees and the Saints’ offense off the field.
Who matters: It’s hard to think Dez Bryant won’t make a big difference in this game considering he’s been the Cowboys’ most consistent playmaker of late. Bryant has scored a touchdown in each of the past six games and has 10 touchdowns this year -- all in the second half. With his left index finger injured and heavily-taped, it’ll be interesting to see how Bryant plays once again. Last week, he looked limited early, but managed to catch four passes for 59 yards and continue his touchdown streak.
Key matchups: The Cowboys have been banged up at linebacker and safety this year. Those positions will be asked to cover two of the Saints’ most dynamic players -- RB Darren Sproles and TE Jimmy Graham. If Ernie Sims can return, along with LB Alex Albright and Dan Connor, the Cowboys will have their hands full in containing the Saints’ down the middle of the field. Safety Danny McCray struggled last week covering Heath Miller, and the Cowboys might end up making some changes, with Charlie Peprah and Eric Frampton expected to get more reps.
Injuries of note: The Cowboys are getting healthier with CB Morris Claiborne and LB Sims expected to return from concussions. The only player not practicing this week is DT Jay Ratliff, who had sports hernia surgery last week and is expected to only return if the Cowboys get deep into the playoffs.
Inside stuff: If Bryant scores Sunday, he’ll move into a four-way tie in club history with touchdown catches in seven straight games. The last player to accomplish that was Terrell Owens in 2007.
Stat you should know: The Saints rank last in the NFL in yards allowed at 433.3 per game. And they’re No. 31 in both passing yards allowed (287.0) and rushing yards (146.3).
Milestone in reach: TE Jason Witten needs six catches to surpass Tony Gonzalez’ NFL record for most in a season by a tight end. Witten has 97 catches, five shy of Gonzalez' 102-reception record he set in 2004. Witten is averaging 6.9 catches per game this year.
Looking ahead: The Cowboys finish up the regular season with the Redskins in Washington D.C. in a game that will likely decide the NFC East title.
Prediction: Cowboys 42, Saints 31
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