The Dallas Cowboys are far from being an elite team in the NFC, but their 13-9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday was nevertheless big after weeks of poor play.

Brad Johnson wasn’t very impressive (he missed open receivers the entire game), but unlike the loss to the Rams last week, he didn’t turn the ball over and thus, allowed the defense to win the game. And his touchdown pass to newcomer Roy Williams before the half proved to be the difference in the end at least in terms of the score.

Speaking of the Dallas defense, they deserve a ton of credit for finally rising to the challenge this week. They’ve been rightfully hammered by the media due to their poor play, but they forced Tampa to settle for field goals on multiple occasions throughout the game. They also came up with a huge fourth down stop when Jeff Garcia had driven the Bucs into scoring range with under a minute to go.

Forget Tony Romo – he’ll be back soon and he’ll obviously he’ll provide a huge boost to the offense. What the Cowboys really need is a defensive effort similar to the one they got today. If they do, there’s no reason to think that Dallas won’t be legitimate Super Bowl contenders again soon.

Now, for a little news about players that are probably on your league’s waiver wire…

The Browns may be looking to make a change after Derek Anderson’s shaky outing (14/37, 136 yards, TD). The Brady Quinn era could start soon…As long as Chris Chambers is out, Malcom Floyd (7-140-2 over the last two weeks) looks like a sneaky good start…With both Brandon Lloyd and Devin Hester hobbled, Rashied Davis (3-24) and Marty Booker (3-79-1) become even more important at WR…Cedric Benson (15 touches, 62 yards) is now the starting running back in Cincy, and he didn’t look too bad in the Steelers’ blowout win…Ryan Fitzpatrick (164 yards, TD) did a pretty good job filling in for Carson Palmer, who may be out a while…Kolby Smith (12 touches, 25 yards) was the main ballcarrier with Larry Johnson out and he (and the Chiefs) were ineffective against the Titans’ stout defense…Greg Camarillo (6-74) continues to post spot starter numbers in PPR leagues…Josh Morgan (5-86-1) finally had a good game. I wouldn’t run out and try to acquire him, but he’s a guy to monitor…Vernon Davis (1-5) proved that last week’s nice game was a fluke. Leave him on the waiver wire unless you’re absolutely desperate…Donnie Avery (9-138-1 over the last two weeks) is worth a pickup in bigger leagues…Kevin Smith (11 touches, 68 yards, TD) may not technically be the starter, but he sure looks like the Lions’ best RB…Mike Furrey (6-89) deserves a big upgrade (especially in PPR leagues) now that Roy Williams is gone…Ahman Green (15 touches, 65 yards, TD) looks like he’ll get considerable work as long as he’s healthy. The Texans want to avoid wearing down Steve Slaton…There was a Javon Walker (5-75-1) sighting! Is this a reason to get excited? Doubtful, but monitor the situation going forward…Jeff Garcia (310 yards, TD) is back in the saddle in Tampa and he’s roster worthy going forward.

In his latest edition of “Monday Morning Quarterback,” Peter King of SI.com writes this about Jeff Garcia:

5. Tampa Bay (4-2). How admirable is Jeff Garcia? He goes 15 of 20 with no picks or sacks against a formidable Panther D, and all he talks about after the game, in effect, is how he appreciates the chance to be an NFL quarterback.

Admirable? Garcia didn’t seem to appreciate the chance to be an NFL quarterback this offseason when he demanded a new contract from the Bucs or else he’d sit out of football.

“MMQ” is the best but King is off on this one.

Sunday’s Best: Panthers (4-1) at Buccaneers (3-2), 1:00 PM ET FOX
This isn’t the sexiest matchup on the Week 6 schedule, but it’s a battle for first place in the NFC South. Carolina is coming off a 34-0 rout of the Chiefs, a game in which they held Larry Johnson to only two yards rushing, while Tampa dropped a close one in Denver. The Panthers can thank a healthy Jake Delhomme and a stingy run defense for their hot start this season. With Delhomme back under center and a nice 1-2 punch of DeAngelo Williams and rookie Jonathan Stewart in the backfield, the Panthers’ offense has been incredibly balanced this season and therefore, hard to stop. And Carolina’s front seven has kept opponents from averaging over 100 yards on the ground. The Bucs will go back to Jeff Garcia at quarterback with Brian Griese nursing an injured arm. It’ll be interesting to see if the Panthers take away Tampa’s 8th-best rushing attack, because the last time the Bucs couldn’t run the ball was against the Bears – a game in which Griese attempted 67 passes. Will Garcia have to do the same this week?

Upset Watch: Cowboys (4-1) at Cardinals (3-2), 4:15 PM ET FOX
I’m going right back to the well. In my primer last week, I warned to watch out for the Cards upsetting the previously unbeaten Bills. I’ll do the same this week as the Cowboys roll into the desert after almost blowing a 17-point lead to the Bengals last Sunday. Dallas has more talent than any other team in the NFC, but they’ve proven to be as fragile as T.O.’s emotions. Arizona flat out plays a different brand of football at home and could have wideout Anquan Boldin back this week, although it’s doubtful. Even without Boldin, the Cards have more than enough weapons to score on a Dallas defense that is giving up close to 23 points a game. The key obviously will be whether or not Arizona can stop the Cowboys’ high-powered offense. Dallas is racking up over 400 yards and 30 points a game and the Cards are just two games removed from surrendering 56 points to the Jets. Even if ‘Zona can’t pull off the upset, I would expect one wild shootout.

Intriguing Matchup: Patriots (3-1) at Chargers (2-3) 8:15 PM ET NBC
Remember when New England mocked Shawne Merriman’s “Lights Out” dance after a playoff win in San Diego a couple of years ago and hurt LaDainian Tomlinson’s feelings? The Pats return to the scene of the crime and no team plays with a bigger chip on their shoulder (and for really no reason) than the Chargers. Even though they won in convincing fashion against the 49ers last week, this is clearly a different Patriots team without Tom Brady. (What a statement, I know). It’ll be interesting to see if Matt Cassel can have a coming out party this weekend, because no team in the entire NFL is playing worse against the pass right now than San Diego.

Other Notable Games:
Bears (3-2) at Falcons (3-2), 1:00 PM ET FOX
The last time rookie QB Matt Ryan faced the Tampa 2 defense he had his worst outing as a pro, throwing two interceptions in a loss to the Bucs in Week 2. He’ll get a chance for redemption this week against Chicago, a team that has typically owned Atlanta in the past.

Jaguars (2-3) at Broncos (4-1), 4:15 PM ET FOX
Big Ben and the Steelers lit up Jacksonville’s defense last week. Will Jay Cutler and the Broncos’ offense do the same on Sunday?

Ravens (2-2) at Colts (2-2), 1:00 PM ET CBS
Peyton Manning vs. Ray Lewis is always fun to watch.

Need something to do besides those TPS reports that are due Friday by Noon? SPORTSNET.ca has compiled a photo gallery of all the hot wives/girlfriends of professional athletes and asks you to rank them 1-14.

Here are some of the candidates for your ranking pleasure:

Jessica Simpson (Girlfriend of Tony Romo)
Brandi Garnett (Wife of Kevin Garnett)
Gisele Bundchen (Girlfriend of Tom Brady)
Elisa Cuthbert (Girlfriend of Dion Phaneuf)
Brooklyn Decker (Fiancée of Andy Roddick)
Hillary Duff (Girlfriend of Mike Comrie)
Carmella Decesare (Wife of Jeff Garcia)
Rachel Hunter (Fiancée of Jarret Stoll)
Ashley Judd (Wife of Dario Franchitti)
Kim Kardashian (Girlfriend of Reggie Bush)
Adrianna Lima (Girlfriend of Mario Jaric)
Eva Longoria (Wife of Tony Parker)

I went to vote but then I got lost in Carmella Decesare’s brea…personality.