I will be the first person to tell you that I am a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, and I am also a fan of quarterback Tony Romo. However, this year, they have been incredibly frustrating and inconsistent. Romo has been very erratic at times, and the Cowboys have blown huge leads. Now, after their bye week, they head to New England for a big showdown with the Patriots with a lot of questions to answer.

The Patriots have been pretty much as expected this year, as they have put up tons of points and won some games. Tom Brady is on pace to shatter the single-season passing yards record, but can the Pats run the ball? This will be a good test for the Pats' running game, as Dallas has been stingy against the run this season.

Key Matchups
1. Tony Romo vs. Himself: If you have watched the Cowboys in recent years, you will know that Romo has lapses in judgement every now and then. He was absolutely brilliant in the first half two weeks ago against Detroit, but his three second-half interceptions cost them the lead. It hurts to say this, but his time may be running out in Big D.

2. DeMarcus Ware vs. Matt Light: Ware has continued to be an absolute beast this season rushing the passer, and he has five sacks already. Light has always struggled against speed rushers, and will likely have his hands full trying to protect Brady's blind side.

3. Miles Austin vs. Wes Welker: Austin has missed the last two games due to a hamstring injury, but is expected to be healthy after the bye. Welker has been unstoppable. He had 16 catches a few weeks ago against Buffalo, and nobody has been able to cover him. Both defences will have a tough time slowing these top targets down.

The Rundown
With two weeks to prepare, the Cowboys should be able to keep this one close. Getting Austin back will certainly help. However, I am going to have to take the Patriots in a shoot-out, 42 — 35. Again, this game will go down to the play of Romo. If he throws for over 300 yards, the Cowboys will likely win. I would love to see it, but it probably won't happen.

For next week, there are some decent games, but some stinkers too. I'll take a look at the Showdown in Motown.