It is now Week 5 and the Pittsburgh Steelers hold their first primetime matchup of the 2024 season from Acrisure Stadium against the Dallas Cowboys. In a contest that happens rarely, the Steelers look to bounce back against a Cowboys side coming off a Thursday Night victory over the New York Giants.

The all-time series is tightly contested with the Cowboys holding the upper hand at 17-16. However, in their previous five contests (dating back to 2004) the Steelers have won three of five. In the most recent matchup, quarterback Dak Prescott was unable to go and the Steelers took advantage by taking down Garrett Gilbert by way of a 24-19 score.

Before that, in 2016 Prescott played the Steelers where he earned a narrow victory at 35-30. While Prescott was sacked twice he threw for over 300 yards passing along with two touchdowns.

Fast forward to 2024, Prescott ranks third in the NFL in passing yards through four weeks with 1,072. Despite his team’s unsteady start to the season, Prescott has played well. The Cowboys have relied heavily on the passing game this season as their backfield has been disappointing. Running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle have split carries for the most part combining for just 215 yards through the opening four games.

The Cowboy’s defense will likely be without leader Micah Parsons on Sunday Night as he labors with an ankle injury. Another star on the Cowboy’s defense, DeMarcus Lawrence will be sidelined with a foot injury. These two being sidelined could open the door for the Pittsburgh offense.

With the door being open, the question is now can quarterback Justin Fields knock it down? Fields had his best game in a Steeler uniform last week even though his side fell to the Indianapolis Colts. Fields rushed for 55 yards and two touchdowns while throwing one and earning 312 pass yards. You would have to think a replicated performance from him and the Steelers offense means good things in Week 5 and beyond. Fields has played the Cowboys once in his career having a solid outing. The former Chicago Bear threw for 151 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 60 and scoring once on the ground.

Prescott, Dowdle, and Elliott meet a Steelers defense looking for revenge after their worst game of 2024 last week. The Colts and running back Jonathan Taylor were able to establish the run game early and carry it on for most of the game against the Steelers. With that, the passing game also opened up for Anthony Richardson and eventually Joe Flacco. If the Steelers are to beat Dallas they cannot allow their running backs to get hot with an already intimidating Cowboys passing game.

With all this in mind, here are two vital matchups in Week 5 that could shake up the outcome.

KJ Henry vs. Steelers OL

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After a decent outing against the Colts defense, the Steelers offensive line looks to have a good showing against a struggling and injured Cowboys defense. There is no shortage of injuries on the Steelers offensive line either though as James Daniels and Troy Fautanu remain on injured reserve. Isaac Seumalo is yet to play this season but looks hopeful for Sunday as he was a full participant in the team’s Thursday practice.

Seumalo returning could give the Steelers a huge boost as he is one of the leaders on the line. All this while the Cowboys prepare to suit up second-year man KJ Henry. The Clemson product has not played much ball being behind Parsons and will now get the chance to make a name for himself. Despite a hungry Henry, the Steelers must take advantage of this matchup if they are to come out on top in Week 5.

CeeDee Lamb vs. Joey Porter Jr.

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This Sunday Night, Joey Porter Jr. faces his toughest matchup this season and perhaps in his young career as he will attempt to blanket CeeDee Lamb. Lamb is up to 316 yards through four games while adding two touchdowns. He is coming off his biggest week yet where he posted seven receptions, 98 yards, and a touchdown against the Giants.

While Porter Jr. saw his fair share of star receivers last season, Lamb poses a different sort of problem. The Steelers, Cowboys, and everyone watching knows the Cowboys want to get the ball to Lamb and early. This matchup will be fiery, fast, and furious right from kickoff. Whoever comes out victorious in this battle may just win their team the game given the importance of both Lamb and Porter.

What it means

With Dallas starting 2-2 they are in desperate need of collecting a few wins. The two preseason frontrunners in the NFC East, the Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, are tied for second in the division. Their disappointing starts fall to the jubilation of the Washington Commanders, who sit atop the division.

With how lethal the Commanders’ offense and Jayden Daniels look early on, the Cowboys and Eagles will need to turn things around and fast. A strong performance on the road in primetime could be exactly what the Cowboys need to get back on track.

Aside from last week’s tough loss, the Steelers remain No. 1 in the AFC North. The Baltimore Ravens have seemingly figured things out after their big win against Buffalo a week ago, they now sit at 2-2. With Baltimore inevitably turning things up, there is no more time to waste for Pittsburgh.

While certain games looked easier than others and vice versa before the season, everything has changed. What were thought to be difficult games against the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals may be easier than thought of before while a game like the one against the Commanders looked easier than it may be. Regardless of what games will be challenging and what games may not be, the Steelers must get back to the mindset of taking things one week at a time.

With that being said, it is time to focus on the biggest game thus far. The Cowboys struggling run defense paired with two key pieces likely being out could mean for a high-scoring Steelers offense. Whether or not the Steelers’ defense bounces back from Week 4 remains in the air. Taking this into consideration, a higher-scoring contest than weeks 1-3 can be expected.

Score prediction: Steelers, 28 Cowboys, 20