Dallas Cowboys (1-1) at St. Louis Rams (1-1)

Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis – TV: FOX

*TV announcers: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa

*Keys to the game: The Cowboys insist there is no cause for concern despite QB Tony Romo sitting out practice midweek with a stiff back. Regardless, Dallas has transformed into a run-based offense centered on RB DeMarco Murray while the team attempts to keep Romo upright for the long haul – with hurdles such as the Rams’ explosive front four among the biggest hazards he’ll face all season. As fearsome as St. Louis’ pass rush is, the Rams are allowing 171 rushing yards per game and 5.5 yards per carry. The Rams are expected to start third-string QB Austin Davis for the second consecutive week with Shaun Hill still recovering from a strained quad. St. Louis has reached the red zone only four times in two games, scoring just one touchdown. The Rams could also be without WR Tavon Austin (knee) robbing them of their biggest threat to keep the Cowboys off-balance. It’s easy to say St. Louis will rely on its ground game, but RB Zac Stacy (3.8 yards per carry) won’t find many running lanes until Davis hits a few downfield passes to keep the safeties honest.

*Matchup to watch – Cowboys LT Tyron Smith vs. Rams DE Robert Quinn: Although he has yet to record a sack this season, Quinn has the ability to blow up any passing attack. Smith gave up a sack in the opener, but limited Quinn to four tackles and no sacks in last season’s meeting.

*Player spotlight – Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray: The numbers all around are staggering. With 51 carries, Murray is on pace for 408 for the season. The career high for the injury-prone back? 217. But expect more of the same considering his history against the Rams — 253 yards in 2011 and 175 last season, representing 14.4 percent of his career total of 2,966 yards.

*Fast facts: Romo is 3-0 with eight touchdowns against one interception in his career against the Rams. … Stacy has averaged 104.7 rushing yards in his past six home games.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

As solid as the Rams’ front four is, the defense has been unable to stop the run. That plays into the hands of the Cowboys, who have quickly changed gears to an offense led by a healthy DeMarco Murray setting the stage.

*Our pick: Cowboys 26-17