The Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) and Dallas Cowboys (2-2) will do battle at Acrisure Stadium on "Sunday Night Football" in Week 5, with both teams coming off different outcomes in Week 4.
The Steelers suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of the Indianapolis Colts, 27-24. While Pittsburgh's offense got off to a slow start once again, the unit rebounded in the second half, only to be let down by the defense, which had its worst showing of the 2024 campaign thus far.
The Cowboys managed to snap their two-game losing streak with a 20-15 win over the New York Giants. The Cowboys now sit in second place in the NFC East behind the surprising Washington Commanders.
Pittsburgh may have a decision to make at quarterback, as Russell Wilson, who was named the starter to begin the season, is reportedly expected to be healthy enough to play after missing the first four games. In his absence, Justin Fields played good enough for the Steelers to get off to a 3-1 start.
As we wait for that and this upcoming matchup between two stories franchises, here's a look at some early expert picks and predictions for the game.
NFL picks, predictions Week 5: Steelers vs. Cowboys
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Steelers 20, Cowboys 16
Iyer: "The Steelers like to be relentless with their running game, especially with Justin Fields now a big part of it. The Cowboys fixed the run defense big-time against the Giants and can contain another sputtering attack. The Steelers will be fine if this game turns into a physical grind, knowing their pass rush can rebound vs. a maligned, transitional Cowboys' offensive line. Dallas will have trouble keeping Pittsburgh honest with the run, allowing an angry T.J. Watt & Co. to tee off back at home."
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Cowboys 24, Steelers 23
Bender: "Dallas and Pittsburgh have met five times this century, and those games have been decided by 4.8 points per game. Justin Fields totaled 367 yards in the Week 4 loss to Indianapolis, and he continues to improve with each week. The Cowboys' defense could be without Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, and that puts more pressure on Dak Prescott. The Cowboys are 2-0 S/U on the road this year, however, and Prescott finds a way — perhaps with the help of a Brandon Aubrey field goal — to lead Dallas to a surprising upset on the road."
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Steelers 21, Cowboys 20
Cluff: "The Steelers have allowed 53 points this season. The Cowboys have allowed 104. Does that mean anything for this game? We'll find out."
Ben Rolfe, Pro Football Network: Steelers 20, Cowboys 17
Rolfe: "The Steelers have the better numbers and the better coach but the worse quarterback. Taking them at home against the Cowboys is probably the right play here, but Dallas having 10 days of rest is a concern for that pick. The under might be the better play, with Pittsburgh having a good defense and terrible offense."
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