Cardinals thrive despite injuries; Cowboys face tough challenge.

Byline: Barry Wilner

Arizona (6-1) at Dallas (6-2): Seems like everyone has tunnel vision on Dallas quarterback Tony Romo heading into the Cowboys' game Sunday with Arizona. It might also be a good idea to focus on the Cardinals, who have the NFC's best record at 6-1 and despite injuries of their own are finding ways to prosper.

Sure, Romo's injury is a big story in Big D and elsewhere, particularly after he injured his back on national television last Monday night -- then returned to the game. His status being uncertain for this huge matchup deserves some headlines, as well.

And so do the Cardinals (6-1). The previous time they had sole possession of the best record in the NFC this late in an NFL season was Week 11 of 1974. They lived in St. Louis then and were 7-0.

This superb start has occurred despite a slew of injuries.

Clutch performances and brilliant coaching have been at the heart of Arizona's success.

''Realizing all the negative things that happened and we still keep getting wins, I do think we have a good swagger about us, a confidence, and that will continue to live if we keep winning,'' quarterback Carson Palmer said.

To improve their spotless conference record to 5-0, the Cardinals must slow down Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray. He has an NFL record eight straight 100-yard rushing games to start the season.

But the Cardinals haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 17 straight outings.

''Wow!'' said Cowboys play caller Scott Linehan. ''No, I know they're good. I didn't know what the streak was. They know where they're rated defensively. We obviously respect our opponent greatly. But we spend a lot more talking about what we want to get done regardless what they've done or they've been able to do, and I think you focus on that and what our goal is, then I think it's a better way to approach it as far as the team's mindset and focus.''

Baltimore (5-3) at Pittsburgh (5-3): One more terrific matchup, this one between nasty AFC North rivals. The Ravens beat the Steelers in Week 2 and don't mind going to Heinz Field, where they've won three of the past four meetings.

Nor does Baltimore mind entering November, in which coach John Harbaugh is 20-7.

The Steelers come off a record-setting victory over Indianapolis, 51-34. Ben Roethlisberger set club marks with 522 yards passing and six touchdowns, and his ace receiver, Antonio Brown, has at least five receptions and 80 yards receiving in each of the first eight games.

Jacksonville...