Cowboys (7-4) at Saints (5-6)
Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET, Caesars Superdome, New Orleans TV: Fox/NFL Network
Tipico Sportsbook line: Cowboys by 4 ⁄2
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Cowboys’ keys to victory: The Saints’ offense has been banged up, and Dallas should capitalize by putting LB Micah Parsons in a position to beat up on New Orleans’ backup linemen. Whoever the Saints start at quarterback, he’ll have few weapons with which to work. CB Trevon Diggs should have opportunities to make a play on inaccurate passes. On the other side, the Cowboys shouldn’t feel compelled to run for the sake of it (especially if RB Ezekiel Elliott can’t play). Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn steps in after coach Mike McCarthy tested positive for the coronavirus and can have QB Dak Prescott throw often.
Saints’ keys to victory: This can’t be another game where CB Marshon Lattimore starts out asleep at the wheel. He’ll need to be on top of his game against the receiver the Cowboys put up against him. (Possibly WR Amari Cooper if he’s ready to play after missing time on the COVID-19 list.) If Lattimore can erase the best Cowboys wideout, everyone else’s assignments get easier. But most of the pressure falls on the Saints’ offense. Whether it has QB Trevor Siemian or Taysom Hill starting, it must avoid mistakes.
Matchup to watch: Cowboys’ Parsons vs. Saints RT James Hurst. Parsons is a rookie, and he’s in for a favorable matchup with a backup right tackle if starter Ryan Ramczyk can’t return.
Who wins? Dallas is talented but prone to penalties and giveaways. New Orleans could win if it gets difference-makers like Ramczyk, RB Alvin Kamara and DE Marcus Davenport back from injuries.
Cowboys, 23-14