There isn't a hotter team in the NFL than the New Orleans Saints. Since their Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Bucs, they have won 10 straight to move to 10-1. They head to Texas to take on a Dallas Cowboys team that has won three straight, working its way into first place in the NFC East. After the Cowboys (6-5) got beat by two touchdowns by the Tennessee Titans, a lot of people thought the team wasn't good enough. Now, there's an entirely new outlook. This matchup of the NFL's highest-scoring offense against a top-five defense is a tremendous way to start a pivotal Week 13.
How to Watch Saints vs. Cowboys: Week 13
Where: Arlington, Texas
Start: Thursday, Nov. 29, 8:20 p.m. ET
TV Network: FOX, NFL Network
Radio: WWL-AM/FM (Saints), KRLD (Cowboys)
Stream Online: Watch live with fuboTV
The Saints have a shot to clinch the NFC South this week. With a win Thursday and a Carolina Panthers loss Sunday, the Saints would clinch just two days after the calendar turns to December. The next step would be trying to get home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs over the Los Angeles Rams, who are also 10-1. If you like scoring, the Saints are must-watch football. They lead the NFL in points per game (37.2) and point differential (+153). They have scored 30 or more in nine of their 11 games and 40 or more five times. If the Cowboys can't slow the Saints down this week, maybe no team can. Drew Brees is having a MVP season, leading the NFL in completion percentage and passer rating. He has 29 TDs and just two INTs. Cameron Jordan has been the man on defense, leading the team with eight sacks. Marcus Williams recorded his first career sack last week and also forced and recovered a fumble. Against a good defensive opponent, we'll see if this is the week they don't drop 30-plus points. Don't bet on it.
The Cowboys have recovered from being 3-5 and in panic mode. They have three straight wins over decent opponents: the Philadelphia Eagles (who are sub-.500), Atlanta Falcons, and Washington Redskins (who were starting their backup QB). They get their toughest test of the season on Thursday. The Cowboys offense has finally hit its groove in the second half. Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper are coming off by far their best games of the season in their 31-23 home win over the Redskins on Thanksgiving. Prescott threw for 289 yards and two TDs (with no interceptions) and ran for a TD as well. Cooper had eight catches for 180 yards and two TDs. Ezekiel Elliott passed the 1,000-rushing-yard plateau during a quietly terrific season. This defense is good, but has its work cut out this week. DeMarcus Lawrence is the leader, but don't forget about Leighton Vander Esch, who leads all rookies with 91 tackles. Jaylon Smith has played well during the win streak at linebacker.
