4. Is this the day Ray Rice gets a bigger workload?

( DAVID EULITT, MCT / October 7, 2012 )

Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice has managed to generate 419 rushing yards on 81 carries, averaging 5.2 yards per rush with three touchdown runs. He's also caught 23 passes for 190 yards. He's averaging a combined 6.75 yards per touch.

Coming off a 102-yard rushing performance on 17 carries against the Chiefs, Rice has hit 20 carries only once this season, and that was in a win over the New England Patriots in which he rushed for 101 yards on 20 attempts.

Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has made it clear that he wants to preserve Rice and keep him fresh. Last season, Cameron drew criticism for not using Rice more, particularly in road games. With 291 carries for a career-high 1,364 yards and a dozen rushing touchdowns last season, Rice averaged 18.1 carries per game and 85.25 yards per game. This season, he's averaging 16.2 carries and is on pace for 259 carries and 1,350 yards for the season. So, Rice's workload is similar to last season's.

With the Cowboys so formidable in their secondary and pass rush, though, this might be the time to have him carry the football more. The Cowboys rank 15th in run defense, allowing 108 yards per game. Dallas has an excellent linebacker in Sean Lee, who leads Dallas with 52 tackles this year.