NFL Week 14: Dallas Cowboys Vs. New York Giants

After squandering an opportunity to extend their NFC East lead to two games, the Dallas Cowboys face off against the New York Giants in Week 14. Dallas dropped their Week 13 contest in overtime to the Arizona Cardinals, thanks in part to a missed field goal by Dan Bailey at the end of regulation -- after Jason Garrett iced him. A win would have given the Cowboys a two game lead in the NFC East, since the Packers defeated the Giants on Sunday.

Instead, the Cowboys find themselves in a must-win home game on Sunday night against one of their biggest rivals. 

Two of Dallas' last four games come against the Giants. Should Dallas manage to win both the games, then they will be the NFC East champions. Even a split would make it difficult for the Giants to win the division. Given that, it's imperative that the Cowboys hold serve at home, where they are 5-1. 

Miles Austin, who had hoped to play last week against Arizona, is expecting to play against the Giants. Tony Fiammetta has been cleared to resume practicing as well, and expects to play on Sunday night. Both returns should benefit DeMarco Murray greatly, as Austin's presence will force defenses to be honest against the pass, while Fiammetta has certainly helped Murray as a lead blocker. Murray's yards per carry average fell to 3.35 in Fiammetta's absence.

New York, meanwhile, did get healthier this past week as well. Despite losing to Green Bay, Ahmad Bradshaw returned to the lineup, and made it through the game without aggravating his injury. Bradshaw should be ready to face the Cowboys, and will likely see an increase in touches as well. 

The Giants did lose Kenny Phillips to injury in their loss against Green Bay. Phillips sprained his MCL an will likely miss the next two weeks due to the injury.

Jason Garrett, who has drawn the ire of Cowboys fans and media alike for his timeout gaffe against the Cardinals, would certainly silence his critics for a week if the Cowboys come out of Sunday night's game with a win and a two game lead with just three to play. 

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:20 CT on Sunday night from Jerry's Death Star in Dallas. Televised coverage can be found nationally on NBC.