(Editor's Note: Each Tuesday, the staff of DallasCowboys.com presents "The Big Picture" for the upcoming game, presenting an overall update for each team as they head into the upcoming contest. This week, the Cowboys and Buffalo Bills meet Sunday in Week 16 at Ralph Wilson Stadium.)
WHAT: Dallas Cowboys (4-10) at Buffalo Bills (6-8)
WHEN: Sunday, Noon (Central)
WHERE: Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
TELEVISION:FOX
Dallas Cowboys
For the first time in five years, the Cowboys are out of the playoff race before the final week of the regular season. With two games left, quarterback Kellen Moore has been promoted to starter after providing a spark in last Saturday's loss to the Jets.
Moore led the offense on its only touchdown drive of the game. In seven starts, Matt Cassel threw five touchdown passes and seven interceptions.
Moore also had three interceptions in the game, including one in the end zone after driving the offense 66 yards inside the Jets' 10-yard line.
Defensively, the Cowboys are looking for their 10th takeaway of the season after cornerback Terrance Mitchell intercepted Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. The defense has held its opponent under 20 points in five of the last six games.
The Cowboys lead the all-time series against Buffalo, 7-3.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills also were eliminated from playoff contention over the weekend after losing 35-25 to the Redskins.
Signed to a three-year deal in the offseason, starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor has been a bright spot for Buffalo. He played well in the loss to the Redskins, throwing for 235 yards and two touchdowns and adding 79 rushing yards. Second-year wideout Sammy Watkins leads the team in receiving yards (827) and touchdown catches (9) this season.
The Bills' top rusher, LeSean McCoy, reportedly injured his knee against the Redskins, leaving his status uncertain for Sunday. Acquired via trade from the Eagles in the offseason, McCoy played against the Cowboys annually within the NFC East from 2009-2014.
McCoy (203 carries for 895 yards; 32 catches for 292 yards) and Cowboys starter Darren McFadden (208 carries, 898 yards; 34 catches for 276 yards) have nearly identical rushing and receiving numbers.
The Buffalo defense ranks 21st in yards per game (363.9) in its first year operating head coach Rob Ryan's scheme. Defensive linemen Mario Williams and Marcell Dareus and linebacker Jerry Hughes lead the unit.
