Cowboys’ goal bigger than 11-1

By The Associated Press

Dez Bryant and the Dallas Cowboys are on the verge of the team’s longest winning streak in any form — better than the carry-over run in 1968-69 after already topping the playoff-included surge from the proud franchise’s first Super Bowl-winning season in 1971.

There’s something else a 12th consecutive win would do when the Cowboys return from an extended break with a visit to the New York Giants Dec. 11. It would give Dallas (11-1) a firm hold on the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

Dallas could clinch a playoff spot as early as Sunday with a Tampa Bay loss or tie or a Washington loss.

“The plan is way bigger than being 11-1,” Bryant said. “It’s a pretty cool situation but there’s more ball left. This success thing is kind of tricky. You can’t get too high. That’s the beginning of falling off. Th,at’s something that we are not going to do.”

Patriots

Tom Brady could get his 201st victory Sunday against the Rams, which would be an NFL record for quarterbacks. He is currently tied with Peyton Manning. “It’s probably the most important stat. ... There’s no surprise,” Saints QB Drew Brees said of Brady. “Listen, he’s earned it. He will go down as certainly one of the best, if not the best, for that reason. The guy’s a winner. He’s a proven winner.

Raiders

Oakland plans to place cornerback DJ Hayden on injured reserve because of a hamstring injury, potentially ending the former first-round pick’s stay in Oakland. “He’s got a substantial hamstring [injury] so he’s not going to be returning this year to us,” coach Jack Del Rio said.

Broncos

Trevor Siemian will be sidelined this weekend. Denver ruled out Siemian for the game at Jacksonville, meaning rookie Paxton Lynch will make his second career start.

Redskins

Tight end Jordan Reed will miss the game at Arizona with a sprained left shoulder. Reed hurt his shoulder in the Thanksgiving Day loss at Dallas.

Dolphins

Miami has won six games in a row, and hasn’t taken seven in a row since 1985, Dan Marino’s third season.

Elsewhere

Kansas City safety Eric Berry and Houston cornerback Kareem Jackson have each been fined $24,309 by the NFL for helmet-to-helmet hits last weekend.