The Cowboys make their way to Indianapolis for the first time since 1993 as these interconference foes renew acquaintances for the first time since 1996.

While Dallas owns a 7-4 overall advantage in the series standings (one of those losses a 16-13 setback in Super Bowl V at the Orange Bowl in Miami), the Colts managed a 25-24 victory at Texas Stadium in 1996 in the most recent meeting between these clubs.

The Cowboys lone previous appearance at Indianapolis resulted in a 27-3 victory in 1993.

Numbers: Including playoffs, in 14 games vs. NFC East rivals dating back to '98, the Cowboys are 11-3, totaling 362 points and 38 offensive touchdowns in those 14 contests. In nine games vs. the rest of the NFL dating back to '98, the Cowboys are 3-6, totaling 184 points (20.4 PPG) and 18 offensive touchdowns. They have outscored the opposition a combined 47-3 in the first quarter in six games in '99. 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). Including playoffs, the Cowboys have allowed 21 TD passes in their last 14 games dating back to '98, this after giving up just nine touchdown passes in their first nie contests in '98. RB Emmitt Smith has totaled 131 rushing touchdowns, 38 of those scores from one yard out. Smith has scored at least one touchdown in seven straight games dating back to '98.

The Colts have outscored the opposition a combined 41-9 in the first quarter in six games in '99. After throwing just three touchdown passes and 11 interceptions in his first four games, Colts QB Peyton Manning has thrown 36 TD passes and 25 interceptions in his last 18 contests dating back to '98, throwing two or more touchdown passes in 12 of his last 17 games. However, Manning has thrown two or more interceptions in 8 of his last 15 contests. After allowing an AFC-high 62 sacks in 16 games in 1997, the Colts have allowed just 25 sacks in their last 22 games dating back to '98. After allowing 11 sacks in their first four games in 1998, the Colts have allowed just 14 sacks in their last 18 contests, giving up zero sacks in 11 of those 18 contests. They have allowed 56 points in four wins, 65 points in two losses in '99.

Things to look for: After a two-game funk, the Dallas' offense came back to life in an impressive win over the Cowboys, and QB Troy Aikman and company will have to be at their best once again if the Pokes are to keep pace with a very explosive Colts' attack. Add in the fact that neither club has a defensive unit that strikes much fear into any opponent and you have all the makings of a big-time shootout.

Etc.: Cowboys RB Emmitt Smith (13,081) needs 178 yards to tie Eric Dickerson for 3rd place on the NFL's all-time rushing list. Smith (141) needs four touchdowns to tie Marcus Allen (145) for 2nd place on the NFL's all-time touchdowns scored list. Including Super Bowls (3-0), the Cowboys are 25-12 vs. AFC teams in the 1990s (1-3 in '98).

The Colts are just 8-20 vs. NFC teams dating back to 1991 (0-4 in '98). Since 1994, (including playoffs), 52 of the Colts' 90 games have been decided by seven or fewer points, six of those in overtime.