NFL pursuit of perfection

A quick look at the NFL's two unbeaten teams heading into Week 12:

Carolina Panthers (10-0)

This week: at Dallas Cowboys (3-7), 3:30 p.m. CT on Thursday.

Carolina will win if: Cam Newton passes as well as he did last week, when he threw for a career-high five TDs -- to five receivers.

Carolina will lose if: Tony Romo and Dez Bryant get on a roll. Remember: Dallas is unbeaten, too ... when Romo plays, going 3-0 in his appearances.

Noteworthy: First team in the half-century Super Bowl era to start 10-0 after being below .500 the season before (7-8-1).

Quoteworthy: "We know we're good at a lot of things. We know we've got to improve on a lot more things." -- Newton.

Week 13: at New Orleans Saints

New England Patriots (10-0)

This week: at Denver Broncos (8-2), 7:30 p.m. CT on Sunday

New England will win if: Coach Bill Belichick devises ways to fluster Brock Osweiler in the QB's second start of his NFL career.

New England will lose if: All those injuries to skill players and offensive linemen finally catch up to Tom Brady and Co. against an elite defense.

Noteworthy: Patriots would clinch an NFL record-tying seventh division title in a row with a victory.

Quoteworthy: "At the end of the day, they find ways to win," Buffalo coach Rex Ryan, after the Bills' 20-13 loss to the Patriots on Monday night.

Week 13: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Sports on 11/25/2015

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