Dallas Cowboys (4-1) at Seattle Seahawks (3-1)

Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at CenturyLink Field, Seattle – TV: FOX

*TV announcers: Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman, Charissa Thompson

*Keys to the game: The Cowboys’ newfound dominance on the ground will face easily its stiffest test to date in a Seahawks’ top-ranked run defense that is giving up just 62.2 yards per game and has not allowed any single back to gain more than 38 yards this season. Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray is averaging 26 carries and 134 yards per game and while meeting that yardage might not be attainable, Dallas needs a consistent presence on the ground. The Seahawks’ physical defense swarms at full speed in the din of CenturyLink Field, and third-and-longs could prove perilous to QB Tony Romo.

Seattle’s offense is ranked fifth in the league, largely on the legs of QB Russell Wilson, who prefers not to scramble but will take advantage of what defenses give him. It will be vital for the Cowboys’ edge rushers to not push past Wilson and create running lanes to exploit. Seahawks coordinator Darrell Bevell continues to tinker with new formations and putting WR Percy Harvin in motion — too often seeking to rely on misdirection and confusion rather than lining up and feeding RB Marshawn Lynch to establish a physical presence and set up play-action. Seattle’s offensive line is a far better run-blocking unit and struggles when playing on its heels.

*Matchup to watch – Cowboys C Travis Frederick and RG Zack Martin vs. Seahawks DT Brandon Mebane: Called an “immovable object” by CB Richard Sherman, Mebane is the heart of the Seahawks’ run defense, clogging up running lanes and clearing the linebackers to make plays near the line. Frederick is already one of the league’s best and the rookie Martin has displayed great promise as a run-blocker.

*Player spotlight – Seahawks MLB Bobby Wagner: Primed for a big payday this offseason, Wagner is coming off an excellent game at Washington in which he helped limit Alfred Morris to 29 yards while also making multiple plays in coverage.

*Fast facts: The Cowboys’ four victories have come against teams with a combined 7-12 record. … Wilson is 17-1 in his career at home. Only Danny White and Matt Ryan have begun their careers with an 18-1 home record in NFL history.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

This is a true litmus test for the Cowboys, who will find their defense is still a good distance away from competing with the truly elite NFC teams – especially on the road.

*Our pick: Seahawks 30-20