Cowboys vs. Steelers: Hall of Fame Game odds, preview, and pick

The Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers will play in the first NFL preseason game since 2019 when they meet in Canton, OH for the annual Hall of Fame Game this Thursday night.

The traditional preseason opener features the Steelers as nominal 1.5-point favorites, and a fairly low total of 33.5. Which way should bettors lean? Let’s start finding out.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:00 p.m. ET (FOX)

What’s the deal with Dak?

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is nursing a muscle strain in his throwing shoulder, and is not expected to suit up for the Hall of Fame Game.

It’s not surprising to see Dallas take a careful approach with their franchise player, considering that he’s still on the mend from a gruesome ankle injury he suffered in Week 5 of the 2020 regular season. The Cowboys went 4-7 down the stretch without Prescott last year.

Steelers seem healthier overall

Dak isn’t the only Dallas Cowboy slated to miss the preseason opener. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (back), wide receiver Amari Cooper (ankle), and kicker Greg Zuerlein (back) are all on the PUP list.

But 39-year-old signal caller Ben Roethlisberger looks ready to go for the Steelers, though he’s unlikely to play more than a possession or two. However, backup Mason Rudolph is far more accomplished than fellow No. 2 quarterback option Garrett Gilbert of the Cowboys.

Pittsburgh also boasts rookie running back Najee Harris, who’s impressed in camp and should get plenty of carries against a suspect Dallas defense that was third-worst in the league in rushing yards allowed per attempt in 2020 (5.0).

Cowboys vs. Steelers Injury report

Cowboys and Steelers Trends

• The Cowboys are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 Thursday games
• The Cowboys are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games overall
• The Steelers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last six Thursday games
• The Over is 5-2 in the Cowboys’ last seven games overall
• The Over is 4-0 in the Steelers’ last four games overall

The verdict

The Steelers – who went 12-4 last year – seem to have a decisive edge in the quarterback battle heading into the Hall of Fame Game. They also appear to be far more "together," whereas Dallas just seems to be focusing on surviving and getting everyone ready for the start of the regular season. Take Pittsburgh to cover this small spread.

Score prediction: Steelers 20, Cowboys 13

Pro Football Hall of Fame Game pick: Steelers -1.5