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Cowboys vs. Steelers Early Picks, Predictions & Odds for SNF Week 5

Connor Cooper

Last Updated: October 1, 2024 12:00 PM EDT • 2 min 63 sec read.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott calls out the defense as we look at our Cowboys vs. Steelers early picks & predictions for Sunday Night Football.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott calls out the defense prior to the snap of the ball. Photo by: Julian Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the NFL’s biggest surprises so far this season, winning their first three games before finally tasting defeat last week against the Indianapolis Colts.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys haven’t lived up to expectations, struggling to beat the New York Giants last Thursday to square their record at 2-2.

Oddsmakers have installed the Steelers as short home Sunday Night Football odds favorites over the Cowboys. As part of our NFL Week 5 predictions, we break down the matchup in our Cowboys vs. Steelers predictions and odds.

My early Cowboys vs. Steelers prediction: Cowboys +2.5

NFL picks made Monday; odds subject to change. Our NEW NFL player prop odds tool can help you find the best odds on any market across legal sportsbooks in your area!

Prediction: Cowboys +2.5

Best odds: | Implied probability: 51.9%

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The Cowboys could be without two of their defensive stars after Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence were injured in Week 4. However, their potential absence is already factored into the betting line, giving us the chance to back Dallas as an underdog in a game the Cowboys favored over the summer on the look-ahead line and when the Week 5 odds dropped last week.

Dallas has a few extra days to prepare coming off its Thursday Night Football win over the New York Giants, and there’s plenty of motivation in Cowboys camp to tighten things up after a sloppy start to the season. Dallas has committed 24 penalties in its last two games, something coach Mike McCarthy told reporters he’s looking to clean up this week.

The Steelers’ defense dominated its first three games against the weak offenses of the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Chargers. But struggled in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts.

Dallas will be an even tougher test for the Pittsburgh D, and the low-scoring Steelers should have trouble keeping up.

Don't miss our guide for how to bet on NFL or this week's best sportsbook promos.

Cowboys vs. Steelers live odds

See the NFL odds from our best NFL betting sites for every Week 5 game.

Moneyline

  • Steelers best odds: -134 via FanDuel | Implied probability: 57.3%
  • Cowboys best odds: +120 via BetMGM | Implied probability: 45.5%

Dallas’ injury situation led to some early money on Pittsburgh, driving the moneyline price up to as high as -140 for the home side. Steelers backers can find better prices at FanDuel (-134) and DraftKings (-135), while BetMGM and PointsBet (+120) offer the best return for Cowboys' bettors.

If Parsons is cleared to return this week from a high ankle sprain, expect this line to move back towards the pick ’em range.

Spread

  • Steelers best odds: -1.5 (-115) via FanDuel
  • Cowboys best odds: +2.5 (-105) via Hard Rock

Even with Dallas’ defensive injuries, none of our best sports betting apps was willing to spot the Cowboys a full field goal at the time of writing. Most sportsbooks made the Steelers 2.5-point favorites, but Hard Rock offered a discounted -105 price on Dallas +2.5, while FanDuel listed Pittsburgh -1.5 with -115 juice.

Over/Under

  • Over best odds: 42.5 (-110) via FanDuel
  • Under best odds: 43 (-110) via BetMGM

After the Steelers gave up 27 points last week to Indianapolis, and Dallas lost two key defensive players, the total has gone up a couple of points from the opener. Don’t be surprised to see the total rise more by kickoff, especially if Parsons is officially ruled out.

How to watch Cowboys vs. Steelers

  • When: Sunday, Oct. 6
  • Kickoff: 8:20 p.m. ET
  • Where: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh
  • How to watch: NBC
  • Weather: 60 degrees, 50% chance of precipitation, wind 5 mph SW
  • Favorite: Steelers -1.5 (-115 via FanDuel)

NFL betting odds pages

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Written By:
Connor Cooper
Connor Cooper has written about sports in various capacities for more than 20 years, including as a newspaper reporter, sports handicapper, and betting analyst. He originates hockey plays every day throughout the NHL season, regularly bets his own opinions on NFL and college football, and relies on handicappers he trusts to find daily action in basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, and golf. A diehard Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan growing up in the Toronto area, Connor quickly shed all his allegiances once he realized that making money betting on sports was much more fun than cheering for his favorite team. Connor won’t hesitate to bet on — or against — anybody if that’s where the value lies. In addition to analyzing recent and season-long statistics, Connor always looks to account for the human element when breaking down games, weighing situational and motivational factors into his handicapping process. He's also a big believer in finding creative ways to generate more value, constantly scouring BetMGM, Caesar, FanDuel, and other regulated sportsbooks' derivative markets such as team totals, alternate lines, and player props.