Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Expert Pick – October 6, 2024

As two of the NFL’s most storied franchises prepare to clash, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys faceoff in a pivotal matchup that could shape the course of their seasons. The last time they faced each other in primetime was 1982, which is astonishing considering the history of the rivalry between “America’s Teams.” Read more Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Expert Pick – October 6, 2024

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Kickoff

When: Sunday, October 6th at 8:20 PM ET

Where: Acrisure Stadium – Pittsburgh, PA

TV: NBC/Peacock

The Odds

Odds courtesy of DraftKings

FAST START

The Steelers suffered their first loss of the season, 27-24, to the Indianapolis Colts last week. It was an uncharacteristically poor game for the defense as they allowed more points (27) than they had given up all season long (26). They were carved apart by an old foe named Joe Flacco as they had eight third-down conversions on 15 attempts. This prideful unit will look to bounce back against a Cowboys team that ranks dead last in rushing. This means the coaching staff and team are preparing for a heavy dose of Dak Prescott and the passing game.

“Man, I just have a lot of respect for Dak Prescott,” Tomlin said. “Funny enough, since he’s been in the league, we’ve only played against him one time in 2016. I see a guy who is ultra-competitive, has unbelievable arm talent, and natural leadership skills.” 

The bright spot in the loss to the Colts was the play of quarterback Justin Fields. After being down 17 points, he nearly led a comeback as he threw for 312 passing yards, 57 rushing yards and three total touchdowns with a chance to win the game on the final drive. After getting down early in the game the Steelers must figure out a way to come out of the gates swinging.

“Like Coach T always says, you can’t wait for the other team to punch in your mouth before you really get going,” said Fields. “So, we want to come out the gate rolling, coming off the ball with energy, get the run game going early and play off of that, to be honest with you. It’s just having that same mindset coming into the game and not really warming up to competition.”

Despite the rocky start to the season, if the Cowboys pull off the upset in Pittsburgh, they are above .500 and right in the playoff race in a weakened NFC conference. They will have to do this without star linebacker Micah Parsons and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence who are both injured. Prescott is also down a receiver as Brandin Cooks is out for the game with a knee injury. 

The injuries will play a huge role in this game as the Steelers are also banged up, most notably to the offensive line and running backs. With Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson both ruled out for Sunday’s game, Najee Harris will get most of the carries. Also, expect a lot of designed run plays for Fields to handle some of those duties.

DIFFERENCE MAKERS

The edge rushers for the Steelers, Nate Herbig and T.J. Watt, should be able to have a field day against a Cowboys team that can’t run the ball. The pressure is going to fall on their linebackers and secondary which have been good but not great. Minkah Fitzpatrick has returned to the role of a roving free safety after the excellent play from SS DeShon Elliot. But Fitzpatrick, known for his ball hawking skills and turnovers, hasn’t had an interception since Jan. 1, 2023, which defensive coordinator Teryl Austin thinks is about to change.

“Sometimes it’s not happening right now, but I got full confidence because I know what kind of player Minkah is and the more opportunities that he has and the more time he’s back there that those splash play will come,” said Austin.

The Cowboys will need CeeDee Lamb to have a monster game. With Cooks out for the foreseeable future, Lamb is urging his young receivers that they need to step up.

“We’ve gotta go out there and play for him and get the dub,” said Lamb. “Unfortunately, we lost a brother this week and who knows how long he’s going to be out. It’s time for [the young WRs] to step up, and I’m happy for them.”

Dallas will need the likes of Jalen Tolbert and rookie Ryan Flournoy to step up to take some pressure off of Lamb and Prescott. 

The Pick

The atmosphere for this game will be electrifying and the Steelers have a true home field advantage. Expect the defense to bounce back from their lackluster performance against the Colts last week. If coordinator Arthur Smith ever had an excuse to open the offense, it’s this week against a team missing their best defensive player and his injuries at running back.  Justin Fields finally cements his role as the starting quarterback and gives the Steelers a comfortable win at home, 31-13.