Saints vs. Cowboys: TV Info, Spread, Injury Updates, Game Time and More

If you are looking for offensive playmakers, vulnerable defenses and plenty of fantasy football points in your NFL Week 4 slate, look no further than the showdown between the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys.

Drew Brees, Jimmy Graham and the litany of New Orleans receivers should put on a show against the Dallas defense, but Tony Romo, DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant and company should return the favor. 

Here is a look at the pertinent broadcast information and spread, courtesy of Odds Shark as of Thursday afternoon.

Visiting Team	Home Team	Time (ET)	TV	Spread
New Orleans Saints	Dallas Cowboys	8:30 p.m.	NBC	NO -3

Injury Updates

*Injury information is courtesy of CBSSports.com’s NFL injury reports. 

Dallas Cowboys:

DATE	POS	PLAYER	INJURY	NFL STATUS	NEWS
09/25/14	WR	Dez Bryant	Shoulder	QUESTIONABLE	Limited practice. Questionable for Week 4 vs. New Orleans
09/25/14	DT	Davon Coleman	Knee	QUESTIONABLE	Did not practice. Questionable for Week 4 vs. New Orleans
09/25/14	LB	Justin Durant	Groin	PROBABLE	Full practice. Probable for Week 4 vs. New Orleans
09/25/14	TE	Gavin Escobar	Knee	PROBABLE	Full practice. Probable for Week 4 vs. New Orleans
09/25/14	LB	Rolando McClain	Groin	QUESTIONABLE	Did not practice. Questionable for Week 4 vs. New Orleans
09/25/14	DT	Terrell McClain	Concussion	QUESTIONABLE	Did not practice. Questionable for Week 4 vs. New Orleans
09/25/14	DT	Henry Melton	Hamstring	QUESTIONABLE	Did not practice. Questionable for Week 4 vs. New Orleans
09/25/14	QB	Tony Romo	Back	QUESTIONABLE	Did not practice. Questionable for Week 4 vs. New Orleans
09/25/14	DE	Anthony Spencer	Knee	QUESTIONABLE	Limited practice. Questionable for Week 4 vs. New Orleans

New Orleans Saints:

DATE	POS	PLAYER	INJURY	NFL STATUS	NEWS
09/25/14	S	Marcus Ball	Hamstring	QUESTIONABLE	Did not practice. Questionable for Week 4 at Dallas
09/25/14	LB	David Hawthorne	Ankle, knee	QUESTIONABLE	Did not practice. Questionable for Week 4 at Dallas
09/25/14	RB	Mark Ingram	Hand	QUESTIONABLE	Did not practice. Questionable for Week 4 at Dallas
09/25/14	LB	Curtis Lofton	Shoulder	QUESTIONABLE	Limited practice. Questionable for Week 4 at Dallas
09/25/14	RB	Erik Lorig	Ankle	QUESTIONABLE	Did not practice. Questionable for Week 4 at Dallas
09/25/14	TE	Benjamin Watson	Groin	QUESTIONABLE	Did not practice. Questionable for Week 4 at Dallas

Preview

As can be seen above, injuries have played an early role in the preparation for this game. The fact that Romo and Bryant are both listed is concerning for Cowboys fans, but Romo did miss practice last Wednesday before facing the St. Louis Rams.

All he did was turn in his best performance of the season and lead his team to a dramatic comeback.

At this point, it would be a surprise if either Romo or Bryant missed this game against a potential playoff contender in the NFC.

Sean Gardner/Getty Images

One thing that is worth mentioning is the success, or lack thereof, from the Saints on the road. They have dropped their last five regular-season road contests and are 0-2 this season away from New Orleans. One of those losses came at the hands of the Cleveland Browns.

However, playing in Dallas may lead to a different result. AT&T Stadium is not exactly known as an intimidating home venue, which was crystal clear when the visiting San Francisco 49ers appeared to have more fans in the building than the Cowboys in Week 1.

What’s more, Brees is a perfect 3-0 on the road against Dallas and sports a 4-1 career record against the Cowboys with the Saints. Brees has 14 touchdowns and two interceptions in those five contests and lit the Dallas secondary up for four touchdowns last year.

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

It's safe to say Mr. Brees should be ready to go against a familiar foe under the lights Sunday, especially with Graham, Marques Colston and Brandin Cooks hauling in his passes.

Don’t overlook the Cowboys though, who have two straight wins of their own and some momentum after overcoming a 21-point deficit against the Rams. Owner Jerry Jones discussed that game, via ESPN.com:

"We had some clutch performances on both sides of the ball. I was pleased to see, you had redeeming plays, you had guys who had negative plays and all of a sudden, you have got guys that are making the plays that make the difference."

If the Cowboys are going to have success Sunday, they will need to ride Murray, who is the NFL’s leading rusher with 385 yards on the ground.

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

In fact, fans should look for offensive fireworks throughout the game since the Saints rank 29th in the league against the pass and the Cowboys check in at 21st. What’s more, the Saints rank in the top six in rushing and passing on offense, while the Cowboys are third in rushing. 

With offensive attacks like that, Dallas needs all hands on deck for its defense, which is why the situation with cornerback Morris Claiborne was interesting this week. Ed Werder of ESPN filled fans in on the latest:

Ultimately, the Saints have the more balanced attack in the early going this season, and that will be crucial in this game. Yes, Dallas will be able to control the clock and keep Brees on the sidelines some with Murray, but the aerial game will be key in a shootout.

What’s more, if the Saints continue to put points on the board and seize an early lead, it will force the Cowboys to go away from their running game as they enter comeback mode.

Look for Brees to find Graham on a critical touchdown in the early fourth quarter to put Dallas away for good in a back-and-forth affair. 

Prediction: Saints 34, Cowboys 27

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