Center Rich Braham will make his first start in seven games. He started the first two games before complications from an earlier operation caused him to have a second knee surgery.

        Braham, who replaces Brock Gutierrez in the lineup, started all 16 games at center a year ago after switching from left guard.

        Braham is considered the key to the Bengals running game, which didn't do too badly with Gutierrez.

        • When Bengals pass

        Strong safety Darren Woodson is tied for the team lead with two interceptions and is second with seven passes defensed. He's also Dallas' leading tackler with 106, including 64 solos.

        He's good against the run but also figures to be a key in stopping what the Bengals do best in the passing game -- throw short to their tight ends and running backs.

        Woodson, a four-time All Pro, is an excellent open-field tackler.

        • When Cowboys run

                The Cowboys are tied for eighth in the NFL in rushing, and with their passing game struggling -- sounds like the Bengals -- they'll try to run Emmitt Smith at least 25 times.

        If the Bengals line succeeds in tying up Dallas' outstanding offensive linemen, especially center Mark Stepnoski and left guard Larry Allen, middle linebacker Armegis Spearman will be counted on to make 10-12 tackles in the run game.

        • When Cowboys pass

        With Raghib Ismail and Joey Galloway out, James McKnight becomes the Cowboys' primary receiver. He has a team-high 27 receptions and 486 yards, and his 18.4 average is third in the NFC.

        Dallas has had problems passing the ball, but McKnight has good size (6-foot-1, 198 pounds) that matches up well against the Bengals' under-sized cornerbacks.

        He had catches of 47 and 48 yards and one touchdown in his first start against Arizona.

Smith's rookie problems are norm Who's got the edge? Bengals-Cowboys by the numbers Players to watch

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