Today’ Game

DALLAS at NEW ORLEANS

Noon, Channel 11

* The line: Dallas by 9.

* Key injuries: DAL--Cornerback Kevin Smith (hamstring, questionable). NO--Wide receiver Andre Hastings (quadriceps, questionable).

* Key elements: Cowboys are allowing an average of 14 points per game over their last seven. Saints held Cowboys to 182 total yards, eight rushing, in their previous meeting.

HOW THEY MATCH UP

BT Dal NO Points scored 21.6 (11) 15.4 (28) Points allowed 16.2 (5) 26.1 (28) Passing O 196.9 (25) 219.8 (20) Rushing O 127.1 (6) 108.9 (14) Total O 323.1 (20) 328.6 (19) Passing D 215.8 (12) 232.4 (18) Rushing D 93.5 (9) 113.2 (22) Total D 309.3 (7) 345.6 (19)

*--*

* The pick: Dallas. The Saints are dead. The Cowboys aren’t.

--Research by JIM BARRERO; Pick by T.J. SIMERS