Pittsburgh Steelers at Dallas Cowboys: Dallas eye play-off spot

16Dec 2012

The Pittsburgh Steelers are at the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Sunday's late live game, and our man Luca Bercelli has previewed the action...

Neither of these two teams have had the kind of campaigns they asked Father Christmas for last year; but remarkably, given their respective problems, both are in with a shout of post-season action.

The Cowboys have played tough all season and have done well to stay alive considering their nasty schedule. If it wasn't for a few heartbreaking late losses they'd already be in a position to take it easy and rest a few players rather than preparing for the 110% all-out double shift they'll need to put in to master the league's number one passing defence.

I've never been a big fan of the miserly Steelers, for me they're the Stoke of the NFL. They're never going to be pretty but they're big, rough and ruthlessly efficient. The heart and soul of their team is quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, a big lump who'd fit straight in as a centre back for the Potters. The team has missed him sorely as injury forced him to sit out three games before his comeback last week.

That comeback didn't result in a victory but nevertheless he's still the vital element in any Pittsburgh success. His numbers are strikingly similar to Dallas quarterback Tony Romo's, with both averaging roughly 280 yards per game. There's also not much to split the two as far as the running game is concerned, both have poor stats, the Steelers average 3.2 yards per carry, the Cowboys 3.3.

The intangible situations not reflected by the bare stats are the momentum swings of both teams. Whereas the Cowboys have a better record over the last five games than any other team in the NFC, the Steelers are searching to rediscover their early season form and have lost three of their last four.

Possibly the most important factor in the outcome of this match will be whether or not wide receiver Dez Bryant makes the line-up for Dallas after fracturing his left index finger last week. The former first round pick has stepped it up since week 10, hauling in seven TD's, two more than any other player in the league. He's been saying all week that he'll play and be effective; Romo needs him to provide that dependable outlet when the pressure is on.

I'm banking on Bryant to play and be the difference. If the 'Boys get past this hurdle their shot at the play-offs is a realistic one and they'll provide a real test for any other Superbowl pretenders come the post season.

Back them to win the game outright @ 2.1 and on the handicap (+ 1.5 pts) @ 2.02 and, if in the starting line-up, Dez Bryant might be worth a nibble at 8.0 as the first touchdown scorer.

Recommended Bets

Back Dallas to win @ 2.1

Back Dallas to win on handicap (+ 1.5) @ 2.02

Back Dez Bryant to be first touchdown scorer @ 8.0