The Cowboys enter their Week 5 matchup against the Steelers with few reliable strengths on the roster. The path to Dallas’ current 2-2 record is fraught with inconsistency, including from their stars, so it’s hard to know what to expect from them in Pittsburgh. However, the matchup offers certain players some opportunities over others.

BUY

QB Dak Prescott

The Steelers have had it relatively easy so far when it comes to opposing quarterbacks. They got Kirk Cousins ​​in his first game as a Falcon, Bo Nix in just his second game as a pro, and saw Justin Herbert and Anthony Richardson get injured in the last two weeks. Still, they gave up a whopping 246 yards to Nix and 239 yards to the combination of Richardson and Joe Flacco.

Given that, Dak Prescott should be able to move the ball through the air in this game. While WR Brandin Cooks has been on IR for at least four games now, he hasn’t helped the passing game recently. Some would argue that more targets for Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin would make the Cowboys’ offense less predictable and more explosive.

WR Jalen Tolbert

As mentioned, Tolbert is expected to see an increase in production with Cooks out. Just last week, Pittsburgh allowed Indys WR2 Josh Downs to rush for 82 yards and a touchdown on eight catches. This happened despite Michael Pittman himself having 113 yards. So if the Cowboys can find and maintain a rhythm, it could be a good day for Tolbert and the passing game as a whole.

DE Marshawn Kneeland

The rookie, who was pushed up the depth chart following injuries to Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, has a great chance to shine in his first start. Pittsburgh has allowed QB Justin Field to be sacked at least twice in every game this year, and he went down four times last week against the Colts. While Kneeland, like Lawrence, is more of a run-stopper than a pass-rusher, he has displayed the latter ability enough to capitalize on opportunities.

It also helps Kneeland this week that the Steelers haven’t been as dangerous on the ground. RB Najee Harris has averaged just 3.4 yards on his runs so far this year. Pittsburgh can do some tricks with Fields’ running ability, but so far this year they haven’t been a team that can just run over you at will.

SELL

RB Rico Dowdle

Last week was Dowdle’s best game so far this season; a 4.2 average on his runs and his first touchdown. But the Steelers have been brutal against their opponents’ running backs in 2024 and currently rank third-best in total yards allowed and second in yards per carry. While they gave Jonathan Taylor 88 yards and a score last week, Dallas’ rushing attack struggled to get going, even against mediocre defenses.

Defensive backs

Pittsburgh had 557 passing yards in the last two games. Fields has quickly established a good working relationship with WR George Pickens, who has been solid all year and had 113 yards on seven catches last week. Add to that Dallas’ pass-rushing woes with Parsons and Lawrence out, as well as health issues with Trevon Diggs and Caelen Carson, and things don’t bode well for the Cowboys’ secondary on Sunday night.