The Dallas Cowboys once again will try to secure a bye in the first round of this year's playoffs when they visit the New Orleans Saints Monday night.The Cowboys failed in their first opportunity to clinch the bye when they were beaten at home by the Cleveland Browns, 19-14 last Saturday.
The game marked the return to the lineup of Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman, who missed the last two games with a sprained knee. Aikman went 21-of-36 for 188 yards, with a touchdown and two interceptions.
Emmitt Smith scored a touchdown for the Cowboys in the loss, his 21st of the season. Smith needs four more touchdowns to break former Washington Redskins running back John Riggins' record of 24 in a season.
Dallas will have off the first week of the playoffs if the Cowboys beat or tie the Saints or if the Minnesota Vikings lose or tie Saturday against the Detroit Lions.
Dallas' high-powered offense, second best in the league behind the San Francisco 49ers, will be facing a team which has had trouble stopping opponents this season. The Saints have allowed 355 points this year, third-worst in the NFL.
Despite their defensive woes and a running attack which ranks 25th in the league, the Saints still have a shot at making the playoffs.
The Saints kept those faint playoff hopes alive with a 29-20 win over the Falcons in Atlanta last Sunday night. Jim Everett threw two touchdown passes for New Orleans, which needs wins in its last two games to have any chance at making the playoffs.
The Saints enter Monday night's game with two straight wins.
Everett, who was traded to New Orleans after eight years with the Los Angeles Rams, has been the backbone of the Saints' offense, throwing for 3,350 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Dallas has beaten New Orleans in 13 of the 16 meetings between the teams, including the last two. The Saints' last win was a 28-0 romp at New Orleans in 1989.
Injury Report
Cowboys: S Bill Bates (thumb) is questionable. CB Larry Brown (shoulder), S Brock Marion (rib), DT Russell Maryland (knee), LB Godfrey Myles (thumb), QB Troy Aikman (knee), LB Dixon Edwards (hamstring), DE Charles Haley (calf), WR Alvin Harper (back), DT Chad Hennings (neck), WR Michael Irvin (quadricep), RB Daryl Johnston (contusion), LB Rober t Jones (knee), G Derek Kennard (toe), DT Leon Lett (back), G Nate Newton (ankle), TE Jay Novacek (abdomen), LB Darrin Smith (knee), CB Dave Thomas (hamstring), T Mark Tuinei (toe), LB Matt Vanderbeek (hamstring), S James Washington (contusion), WR Kevin Williams (knee/ankle), S Darren Woodson (sho ulder) are probable.
Saints: T Richard Cooper (elbow) is out. NT Jim Hanna (toe) is doubtful. LB Renaldo Turnbull (thigh), TE Wesley Walls (shoulder) are probable.