• Quarterback: Cowboys

        Akili Smith continues to struggle with an AFClow 52.3 rating. But blame also goes to his receivers and line.

        Troy Aikman is healthy enough, for the moment, to start. Randall Cunningham is the backup. Both have what Smith doesn't. Experience.

        • Running backs: Cowboys

        Corey Dillon had only 23 yards rushing against the league's best run defense last week. He'll have considerably more this week against the NFL's worst.

        Emmitt Smith is not slowing down. He has 743 yards this season and 348 on 73 carries in the past three game.

        • Wide receivers/tight end: Bengals

        The hard work put in by the young receivers is beginning to show. Rookie Ron Dugans, a former starter, is inactive for Dallas. Second-year man Damon Griffin adds a little experience.

        The second starting wide out, Raghib Ismail, was hurt last week, joining Joey Galloway, who was lost for the season in the opener. James McKnight is the best of the rest with 27 catches.

        • Offensive line: Even

        The Bengals are fourth in the league in rushing and 31 passing. John Jackson's return at left tackle will help. Center Rich Braham back for first time since Game 2.

        The Cowboys are eighth in the league in rushing and 27 passing. Center Mark Stepnoski anchors a line that has allowed Smith to rush for 100 yards three straight games.

        • Special teams: Cowboys

        Kicker Neil Rackers is 5-of-10 on field goal attempts and likes to kick off artificial turf. Punter Daniel Pope is kicking high and long.

        Cowboys are third in NFL in opponents' average starting field position after kickoffs, 25.2-yard line. Kicker Tim Seder is 13-of-14 on field goals and perfect on 21 extra points.

        • Defensive line: Bengals

        All of the pieces are back with the return of end Vaughn Booker. John Copeland increases pressure on quarterback by moving from end to tackle.

        Both starting tackles, Leon Lett and Chad Hennings, are out. This is the league's worst defense against the run, allowing 166 yards a game.

        • Linebackers: Bengals

        Depth is hurt by loss of Adrian Ross (ankle) and Canute Curtis (hand). Takeo Spikes and Steve Foley anchor a strong group. Free agent Marc Megna could see first action of career.

        The linebackers are small but fast. Dexter Coakley is third with 91 tackles. Dat Nguyen is an overachiever.

        • Defensive backs: Cowboys

        The secondary no longer gets beat for big plays. Rodney Heath is an upgrade at corner opposite Tom Carter. Only three interceptions for the group in nine games.

        Seventh against the pass at 181.3 yards a game. Anchored by Darren Woodson, Cowboys' DBs have seven interceptions.

        • Coaching: Even

        Dick LeBeau is getting the most out of his talent, and he and his staff are relentlessly searching for the right combinations of players for maximum results.

        Former defensive coordinator Dave Campo has the Dallas defense on the rise. Cowboys have been hit hard by injuries but went into overtime in last two games.

        • The winner: Cowboys

        This one's almost too close to call. Dallas will commit fewer turnovers and give its offense a short field a time or two. Big days for Smith and Dillon running the ball.

        • The score: Cowboys 20, Bengals 17

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

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