New Orleans Saints (1-2) at Dallas Cowboys (2-1)

Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET, at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas — TV: NBC

*TV announcers: Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth

*Keys to the game: Saints QB Drew Brees has owned Dallas with seven touchdowns, no interceptions and a 127 passer rating in the past two games. The stage is set for a shootout, however, given Tony Romo’s recent history against the Saints. The Cowboys know what is coming from defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, who worked for Jason Garrett two years ago, and it starts and ends with blitz packages.

To calm his offensive line, the Cowboys are likely to lean on a newly established mashing approach up front, featuring RB DeMarco Murray early and often.

The Saints don’t have the same luxury. While stressing the run early in the season, the Saints are cycling through ball carriers without a featured back until Mark Ingram (hand) comes back. Brees is capable of moving the ball with controlled passing and extended drives, but big plays are there to be had with TE Jimmy Graham and speedy rookie receiver Brandin Cooks causing major matchup issues outside.

*Matchup to watch — Saints LCB Keenan Lewis vs. Cowboys WR Dez Bryant: In their 2012 meeting, Bryant had his way with Saints cornerbacks and safeties with nine receptions for 224 yards and a pair of 58-yard TD grabs. That convinced the Saints they needed help and resulted in the signing of Lewis, who is their best cover corner. When they played last season, it was a different story: Bryant had one reception for 44 yards and that came with less than 90 seconds remaining in the third quarter when the Saints held a 35-10 lead.

*Player spotlight — Cowboys S J.J. Wilcox: Graham is off to another good start with 25 catches and two touchdowns in the first three games. The Cowboys have been shredded by tight ends all season. Wilcox has been the primary defender in most situations and has failed miserably. San Francisco’s Vernon Davis had two touchdown receptions in the season opener. Tennessee’s Delanie Walker had 10 catches for 142 yards and a touchdown in Week 2 and St. Louis’ Lance Kendricks and Jared Cook combined for 13 catches for 104 yards and a touchdown. Cook also dropped a pass in the end zone.

*Fast facts: Saints coach Sean Payton is 7-0 in Sunday night games. … Tony Romo’s streak of 31 consecutive games with a TD pass is sixth-best in NFL history.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

Two teams averaging a smidgen over 25 points per game with little pop in their defense beckons a shootout Sunday night in Arlington, and history points to Drew Brees being the last cowboy standing.

*Our pick: Saints 33, Cowboys 26