The Cowboys, appearing on Monday Night Football for the third time in eight weeks, make their first appearance at the Metrodome since 1995 as these storied rivals square off for the second consecutive year while Vikings make their first of three appearances on Monday Night Football in the next seven weeks.

While the Cowboys own a 13-8 overall advantage in the standings (including a 4-1 mark in postseason play), the Vikings managed a wild 46-36 triumph last season on Thanksgiving Day (Week 13) at Texas Stadium in the last encounter between the clubs. Including playoffs, the last six regular-season encounters and six of the last seven overall meetings between these clubs (dating back to 1983) have gone to the visiting team--the lone exception over that span being Dallas 40-15 triumph at Irving in the 1996 NFC First Round Playoffs.

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 10 games vs. the rest of the NFL dating back to '98, the Cowboys are 3-7, totaling 208 points (20.8 PPG) and 21 offensive touchdowns. Including playoffs, they have allowed 22 TD passes in their last 15 games dating back to '98, this after giving up just 9 touchdown passes in their first 9 contests in '98. CB Deion Sanders has scored 22 touchdowns (including playoffs) 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). RB Emmitt Smith has totaled 133 rushing touchdowns, 38 of those scores from one yard out. Smith has scored at least one touchdown in eight straight games dating back to '98. The Cowboys have outscored the opposition a combined 57-6 in the first quarter in 7 games in '99. They have not forced a turnover in three straight games.

After scoring at least 24 points in each of their 18 games (including playoffs) in 1998, the Vikings have been limited to 23 or fewer points in 7-of-8 contests in '99. They have allowed three sacks and committed just three turnovers in four wins, while committing 15 turnovers and allowing 17 sacks in four losses in '99. The Vikings have 10 takeaways in four wins, two takeaways in four losses in '99. WR Cris Carter has scored at least one touchdown in three straight games and 29 of his last 45 regular-season contests dating back to '96. Since 1996, the Vikings have 90 takeaways in 37 wins, 18 takeaways in 19 losses in 56 regular-season contests.

Things to look for: After jumping out early against the frisky Colts, Chan Gailey's team was punished by Indianapolis' aggressive defense and overwhelmed by their running game. Meanwhile, Dennis Green's team rallied at Denver for a crucial victory and finds itself back at .500. With Vikings' QB Jeff George and WR Cris Carter on the same page, Dallas' inconsistent defense figures to have its hands full again.

Etc.: The Cowboys are making their third of three Monday night appearances this season (1-1 in '99) and are 33-24 lifetime on Monday Night Football, including 17-15 on the road. Their 58 appearances on Monday Night Football, is the second-most in NFL history next to the Dolphins (62).

The Vikings are making their first of three Monday night appearances this season (1-0 in '98). They are just 17-17 lifetime on Monday Night Football, including 9-6 at home (5-4 at the Metrodome dating back to 1982). The Vikings were 47-13-1 at home (including playoffs) in the months of November, December and January from 1967-81 at Metropolitan Stadium. However, the Vikings are 48-33 (including playoffs) in the months of November, December and January from 1982-98 at the Metrodome.

Cowboys RB Emmitt Smith (13,174) needs 85 yards to tie Eric Dickerson (13,259) for 3rd place on the NFL's all-time rushing list. Smith (143) needs 2 touchdowns to tie Marcus Allen (145) for 2nd place on the NFL's all-time touchdowns scored list. QB Troy Aikman (29,855) needs 145 yards to become the 22nd player in NFL history to total 30,000 passing yards.

Vikings WR Cris Carter (107) needs 2 touchdowns to tie Barry Sanders (109) for 8th place on the NFL's all-time touchdowns scored list. IF HE PLAYS: Vikings QB Randall Cunningham (198) needs two touchdown passes to become the 24th player in NFL history with 200 career touchdown passes.