Top Matchups

Baltimore S Ed Reed vs. Dallas QB Tony Romo

This game has great importance for both teams, as both of them are in line to earn wild-card spots, but have teams right on their tail. The Cowboys can't afford to lose because they play at Philadelphia in the regular-season finale. Baltimore has a little wiggle room because the Ravens host Jacksonville next week.

Both teams have very good run defenses, but look for Baltimore to try to pound the ball anyway in an attempt to control the time of possession. Look for Dallas to spread the field and throw quick passes. Baltimore will show every blitz known to mankind, and then at times they will only rush one player. Ravens coach John Harbaugh knows Dallas well from his years as an assistant with the Eagles.

Reed has great anticipation that enables him to make big plays. He fools quarterbacks as he freelances, making plays in the passing game by jumping routes. He will make tackles and surprise you with blitzes. Reed is a very smart player.

Romo missed three games earlier this season with a finger injury but still has thrown 24 TD passes and leads the NFC with a 98.3 rating. Romo has a very quick release and possesses the ability to escape the rush with his athletic ability and quick feet. He has a tendency, at times, to force plays. Romo has arm strength and accuracy, and is both mentally and physically tough. He'll see a lot of different defensive looks Saturday night.

Cowboys LBs Bradie James and Zach Thomas vs. Ravens RBs Willis McGahee and Le'Ron McClain

James and Thomas need to make plays against the run to keep Baltimore from controlling the clock. Also, look for Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron to devise some gadget plays, as he usually does, for this game. This will be the last regular-season game played at Texas Stadium and there will be a special ceremony for former players who have called this storied stadium home. The game will be shown on NFL Network, which will have plenty of historical highlights about the stadium and the team throughout the day.