This should prove to be the lowest scoring game of the weekend, with the #1 defense going against the Panthers and Dallas bringing a weak offense against an above average defense of the visiting Panthers.

Dallas has won their last four games at home and need to make a stand after their second embarrassing shutout of the season last week. This should be a coin flip game that could change on just one big play but there is no escaping that the Dallas offense has scored only 31 points in the last four games and that was with Washington giving up 21 points.

The Panthers have won three times on the road but all three were by three points and their last road excursion resulted in a loss in Houston. This will be a big defensive war and one that Dallas needs to win. Carolina gets the slim nod with a superior passing game but the game will be decided on errors and turnovers.

Carolina Notes

The Panthers rise to 8-2 and maintain their three game lead over the Saints.

Quarterbacks:: Jake Delhomme completed 20 of 30 passes for 317 yards against the Redskins last week and showed his ability to move the ball when needed. It was Delhomme's second 300 yard game and comes on the heels of a 277 yard, two touchdown effort the week before.

Running Backs: Stephen Davis went into his grudgematch against the Redskins last week but only averaged 3.3 yards per carry and ended with 92 yards and the game winning score. Washington was focused on stopping him which allowed the passing game to fare better and in the end, they could not stop Davis anyway. Deshaun Foster broke a bone in his left hand, but hopes to be ready to play against Dallas. Because of Foster's injury, Davis should get the lion's share of the carries.

Receivers: Last week was like a coming out party for Muhsin Muhammad who had nine catches for 189 yards that led the league on Sunday. It was roughly about the same yardage as he normally gains in four games. Steve Smith finally turned in a lower scoring game when he met Champ Bailey and became not friends.

Kevin Dyson may be activated this week and the Panthers have until next Monday to decide whether or not to activate him to the 53-man roster.

Match against the Defense: The Panthers offense heads into Dallas to meet the #1 stingiest defense as a visitor.

In Dallas, no opponent quarterback has thrown for over 147 yards since week one of the season but only Drew Bledsoe failed to throw at least one touchdown. It will be a lower week for the entire passing game of the Panthers. Steve Smith draws the rookie CB Newman, but that is not an advantage.

Stephen Davis goes to Big D where the best runner in five games was Travis Henry with 80 yards on 21 carries. Look for a sub-100 outing for Davis as well.

Dallas Notes

The Cowboys fall to 7-3 with their second shutout of the season in New England last week.

Quarterbacks:: Quincy Carter's best asset right now is that he is still considered preferable over Chad Hutchinson. Carter's big opening to the season is now forgotten and he comes off a 210 yard, three interception outing against the Patriots. It was his first game over 200 yards in six games. His play has become tentative and his decision making is considered to be getting worse.

Running Backs: Troy Hambrick returned to being the primary ball carrier last week but only gained 41 yards on 16 runs and Adrian Murrell (3-11) was little more than an occasional rest for Hambrick. Richie Anderson provided a big outlet for Carter and gained 85 yards on eight catches though he gained 37 on the final play of the first half.

Receivers: As if Carter's struggles were not enough, Joey Galloway was a scratch last week with a quad injury and Antonio Bryant's attempt to replace him fell well short. Bryant only had three catches for 35 yards even though he had 12 passes thrown to him. He absolutely dropped a couple of passes which should stoke up the wrath of Bill. Terry Glenn returned to his old hated haunting grounds and was held to only one catch for eight yards. The Patriots were well prepared for what was already a below average passing attack. Glenn refused to talk to reporters after the game.

I am assuming that Galloway will play this week and will change it if he cannot.

Match against the Defense: Look for the running game to be even worse this week as the Cowboys face the only rush defense better than their own.

Carter could have some success - he will need to if the Cowboys are going to have a chance. The Panthers have given up two passing scores in three of their last four games and have always allowed at least one score in all but week four in Carolina. This is a major test for Carter because the offense is going to ride on what he does.

The Panthers have yielded over 90 yards receiving to five different wideouts this season and every wideout that has done well plays the right side against LCB Terry Cousin. Galloway - if he plays, has the better matchup than Glenn will and Bryant will get more chances if Galloway cannot play.

* Fantasy point rankings calculated using standard Huddle fantasy points