The Dallas Cowboys are hosting the Baltimore Ravens in a game that is potentially critical to the Patriots' playoff hopes. A Dallas win means the Patriots assume control of their own destiny in the AFC playoff hunt. A Baltimore win means that Pats fans will have to root hard tomorrow not only for their own team to win, but for either the Seahawks or the Chiefs (or both) to pull off a big upset tomorrow.

The Cowboys got off to a good start by driving close to midfield on the game's opening possession, but a deep pass by Tony Romo was intercepted at the Ravens' 8-yard line by Ed Reed. The Ravens' offense, however, quickly got a taste of how hot the Dallas pass rush has become. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco was sacked by DeMarcus Ware (it was the 20th sack on the season for the NFL's leader in that category), and the Cowboys' Greg Ellis recovered at the Ravens' 4-yard line. Three plays later (including a pass dropped by Terrell Owens), and Tashard Choice was in the end zone with the game's first points.

Baltimore responded by driving 64 yards inside the Cowboys' 10-yard line, before stalling and having to settle for a Matt Stover field goal.

The score is 7-3 Dallas, with 6:17 left in the first quarter.