Cowboys vs. Saints: Dallas aims to move closer to playoff berth

The Dallas Cowboys play host to the New Orleans Saints in Week 16, as the Cowboys look to move one step closer to a playoff berth.

After winning their first three games in December, the Cowboys find themselves in a three-way tie atop the NFC East. The Cowboys, Washington Redskins and New York Giants are all 8-6, with just two weeks left to play in the season.

New York will head to Baltimore to take on the Ravens, while the Redskins head to Philadelphia to take on the rebuilding Eagles in Week 16.

2012 has been nothing but disappointing for Drew Brees and the Saints. New Orleans stumbled out of the gate without suspended coach Sean Payton, starting the season 0-4. Since then, the Saints have gone 6-4 and snapped a three-game losing streak in Week 15, destroying the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 41-0.

Defense has been the issue for the Saints this year. New Orleans' defense is ranked 31st in both rushing yards and passing yards against, giving up 287 yards per game through the air while surrendering 146.3 yards per game on the ground.

The Saints still boast one of the game's top passing offenses. New Orleans is ranked second in the league in passing yards per game, with 298.1. The Cowboys will hope to have Morris Claiborne back, as Claiborne missed Dallas' Week 15 win because of a concussion.

Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. CT, at Cowboys Stadium, on Sunday, Dec. 23. Televised coverage can be found on FOX.