Dallas Cowboys (3-1) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2)
As we head into Week 5 of the NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys, sitting at a strong 3-1, are set to clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have balanced their early season to a 2-2 record. This Sunday night showdown is slated for October 6, 2024, at the vibrant Acrisure Stadium, promising a thrilling battle under the primetime lights of NBC. Fans and bettors alike, eyeing the best online casino action, will find no shortage of excitement as these two storied franchises lock horns in what could be a defining game for their seasons.
The Cowboys’ offense has shown a penchant for dynamic play, thanks largely to their aerial and ground games. Quarterback Dak Prescott has been the linchpin through the air, distributing the ball efficiently across the field. However, the rushing attack, led by Rico Dowdle, has been less than stellar. Dowdle’s 134 yards over four games reflect a running game yet to find its footing. On the receiving end, CeeDee Lamb has emerged as Prescott’s top target, accumulating 316 yards and scoring twice. His ability to stretch the field and create after the catch has been vital for Dallas’s offensive scheme.
Conversely, the Steelers have had a mixed performance on the ground and through the air. Despite getting ample carries, Najee Harris has averaged only 3.4 yards per attempt, indicating some struggle behind an offensive line that has yet to dominate the trenches. Transitioning to Pittsburgh, Justin Fields has completed 70.6% of his passes for 830 yards. Though the touchdown numbers aren’t eye-popping, his efficient game management has kept the Steelers competitive. George Pickens has been a reliable target for Fields, contributing significantly with his ability to turn short catches into big gains.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Game Info
When: | Sunday, October 6, 2024, at 8:20 PM ET |
Where: | Acrisure Stadium |
TV: | NBC |
Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Dak Prescott QB vs. Justin Fields QB
Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys has been at the center of the attacking force where he continues to show bravery and the ability to deliver even when there is pressure. So far this season, he has been sacked ten times and has a passer rating of 93.6, proving his efficiency and his toughness. His ability to come through in the critical situations has been a great benefit to the Cowboys’ offensive testing.
On the other hand, Justin Fields for the Pittsburgh Steelers has blended in quite well within the team, registering a good completion percentage of 70.6 and a passer rating of 98. Fields’ more cautious playing style, comprising few turnovers and a slower pace of play, has enabled the Steelers to stay afloat within the offensive beat which always wins close matches.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Dallas Cowboys -145, Total Odds: 44.5
The betting odds favor the Cowboys as slight road favorites with a -145 moneyline and a 2.5-point spread. The total over/under set at 44.5 suggests that oddsmakers are expecting a moderately high-scoring affair, reflective of both teams’ recent games where scoring has been abundant.
Dallas Cowboys Betting Trends
Despite a winning record, the Cowboys have struggled against the spread, going 1-4 in their last five. This trend indicates some overvaluation by the markets, particularly in games predicted to be close. Their games have generally trended over the total, with offensive outputs overshadowing defensive lapses.
Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Trends
The Steelers have been strong against the spread at home, going 8-4 in their last 12 games at Acrisure Stadium. Their defense has shown an ability to contain opponents, contributing to a majority of their recent games staying under the total points line, despite a couple of overs against Dallas.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 10/6/24 Betting Picks
Analyzing the trends and performances of both teams suggests a closely matched contest. The Steelers have shown resilience and a strong ability to cover the spread at home, making them a tempting pick despite the Cowboys’ offensive prowess. For prop bets, consider targeting player-specific achievements, especially around Prescott’s passing yards or Fields’ completions given their form.
In terms of over/under, the line is set at 44.5, with tendencies pointing towards a high-scoring game, making the over an appealing bet. For NFL expert free picks, the prediction leans towards a narrow Cowboys victory in a thrilling matchup.