The Cowboys make their way to the Superdome for the second straight year looking to avenge last season's embarrassing setback.

While Dallas owns an imposing 14-4 edge in the series standings, the Saints posted a 22-3 triumph last season at the Superdome (Week 14) as Chan Gailey's club was held to just eight yards rushing, the worst-such performance in franchise history.

Including Super Bowls VI and XII, the Cowboys are still 7-4 lifetime at New Orleans dating back to 1967, including 3-3 at the Superdome (2-3 vs. Saints, 1-0 vs. Denver in Super Bowl XII).

Numbers: Cowboys RB Emmitt Smith has rushed for 100 or more yards in 13 of his last 25 contests dating back to '98. Smith has totaled 135 rushing touchdowns, 38 of those scores from one yard out. The Cowboys have totaled 22 interceptions in 14 games in '99, this after totaling just 14 interceptions in 16 games in '98. Including playoffs, the Cowboys have allowed 30 TD passes in their last 22 games dating back to '98, this after giving up just nine touchdown passes in their first nine contests in '98. The Cowboys have outscored the opposition a combined 81-18 in the first quarter in 14 games in '99. They have forced two or more turnovers in seven straight games. Including playoffs, Cowboys CB Deion Sanders has scored 22 touchdowns in six different ways (8 interceptions, 6 punt returns, 3 kickoff returns, 3 receptions, 1 rushing and 1 fumble recovery) in 11 NFL seasons (1989-99).

In their last 110 regular-season games (1993-99), the Saints have given up 31 returns for touchdowns (19 interceptions, 6 fumble recoveries, 6 punt returns). The Saints have allowed 69 points in eight wins (17 or fewer points in each contest), 655 points in 21 losses (30 or more points in 15 of those contests) dating back to '98. The Saints have allowed 30 or more points in five straight games. They have been limited to 14 or fewer points in 4 straight games. The Saints have committed two or more turnovers in four straight games. They have allowed two or more touchdown passes in five straight games. Saints quarterbacks have thrown two or more interceptions in four straight games.

Things to look for: Those figuring that the Cowboys had the easiest path to the NFC East title because of their remaining schedule didn't take into consideration that Chan Gailey's team isn't playing very good football these days. And even though the Saints have been one of the most dismal clubs in the league in '99, they might have a surprise or two for a Dallas' squad that has struggled on the road.

Etc.: The Cowboys have lost six straight road games. Including playoffs, the Cowboys are just 17-19 in their last 36 games after opening 6-5 in 1997. The Saints have lost five straight games. The Saints are just 19-33 in their last 52 contests at the Superdome dating back to 1993.