The NFL regular season doesn't start until September 9 for the Cowboys, and Dallas is going to need all of that time to get healthy. There are a number of key starters for the Cowboys that are still unable to practice, including quarterback Dak Prescott.
Most teams that play in the Hall of Fame Game aren't going to have their starters on the field, but the Cowboys don't even have that opportunity. This will be a game that features a number of young players that are attempting to make the roster.
Dallas struggled to run the football a season ago, and that will be a major focus in this game. Tackling is usually an issue in the preseason, and the Cowboys could put up some solid rushing numbers.
Pittsburgh is also dealing with some injuries at this time, but they have a solid roster that has plenty of depth. The Steelers also come into this game with a goal to continue playing great defense that includes hard-hitting.
The Steelers have been a perennial Super Bowl contender over the past decade, and that could be the case yet again in 2021. Head coach Mike Tomlin doesn't like to take any game off, and the Steelers will be ready.
Pittsburgh is another team that needs to find a better rushing attack after they were too one-sided on offense a season ago. That will be a focus of both teams on Thursday night, but the Steelers' defense can get stops.
Handicapping NFL Preseason games is always a challenge, especially with this one being played so early into August. Both teams won't have many regular starters taking the field, but the Steelers have a roster that is much deeper than Dallas.
Look for this game to be a bit sloppy as teams are getting their first taste of game experience in 2021. The defense will help decide this game, and that is where Pittsburgh has a big advantage.
The Dunkel Index has Pittsburgh coming into the contest with a rating of 126.008, while Dallas has a rating of 120.488. That makes the Steelers 5.5 points stronger on the neutral turf. Dunkel also forecasts a point total of 35.
The Vegas sportsbooks have Pittsburgh as a 1.5-point favorite and a over/under total of 33.
Take the Pittsburgh Steelers -1.5 as they are able to come away with a win over the Dallas Cowboys in the Hall of Fame Game. Betting the over is also the right play as these teams will combine to go slightly over the 33 point line . Dunkell INDEX
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