TONIGHT’S GAME

CAROLINA PANTHERS (6-7)

AT DALLAS COWBOYS (6-7)

* Kickoff: 6.

* TV: Channel 7.

* Storyline: Both teams are coming off upset losses. The loser of this game can finish no better than .500. Look for the circumstances to bring out the best in champions such as Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith. The Cowboys also could get an emotional lift--as well as a lift in their run defense--from the return of Leon Lett from his drug suspension. The Panthers’ only victories have come against mediocre teams, and that shouldn’t change now.

* Odds: Cowboys by 6 1/2.

* The Pick: Cowboys.