Injuries Hamper Cowboys’ Outlook vs. Steelers on SNF

The Dallas Cowboys are facing a tough Week 5 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and injuries are piling up at the worst possible time. With several key players sidelined, the Cowboys will need to dig deep to remain competitive on the road in Pittsburgh, one of the most hostile environments in the NFL. The absences of Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Brandon Cooks have severely impacted both the Cowboys’ defense and offense, leaving the team in a vulnerable position.

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Pittsburgh’s defense is known for capitalizing on any weakness, especially when playing at home, which makes this game particularly challenging for Dallas. Let’s break down the injuries and how they affect the Cowboys’ chances in this matchup, with betting elements to consider.

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Betting Insights: Can Dallas Overcome Their Injuries?

Key Betting Insights:

• Dallas Cowboys to Cover the Spread: With the Cowboys missing several key players, it may seem tempting to bet against them. However, if backup players like Jalen Tolbert can step up and the defense can hold strong, the Cowboys have enough firepower to cover the spread, especially if they can slow down Pittsburgh’s inconsistent offense.
• Under on Total Points: Given the injuries on both sides of the ball, the Cowboys may struggle to score points, especially with Brandon Cooks out and limited depth at wide receiver. Similarly, the absence of Parsons and Lawrence will hurt their pass rush, but Dallas’ defense could still keep the game close. The under on the total points is an appealing bet, considering both teams’ challenges on offense.
• Jalen Tolbert Receiving Yards Prop: With Brandon Cooks sidelined, Tolbert will be forced into a larger role. Betting on Jalen Tolbert to exceed 45.5 receiving yards could provide value as Dak Prescott will need to distribute the ball to more secondary targets.

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Fantasy Football and DFS Picks for Cowboys vs Steelers

From a fantasy football and DFS perspective, this is a tricky game for Cowboys players due to the injury concerns. Dak Prescott will still get his volume of passing attempts, but with Cooks out and Tolbert filling in, Prescott becomes more of a risky start. CeeDee Lamb remains a must-start, but he will likely face heavy defensive attention with the Cowboys’ limited receiver depth.

Jalen Tolbert, though unproven, offers sleeper value in DFS formats. If Tolbert can build chemistry with Prescott, he could become a key contributor in this game, especially with Pittsburgh likely focusing on stopping Lamb. Tony Pollard should continue to see significant touches, making him a strong play in both fantasy and DFS formats, particularly if the Cowboys lean on the run game to compensate for their receiver injuries.

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Dallas Cowboys Betting Picks for Week 5

• Bet on Jalen Tolbert Over 45.5 Receiving Yards: With Brandon Cooks out, Tolbert is expected to step into a larger role in the offense. If Prescott targets him enough, Tolbert could exceed his yardage prop, especially if the Steelers focus on limiting Lamb.
• Take the Under on Total Points: Injuries to key offensive players and Pittsburgh’s solid defense make this game a good candidate for the under on total points. Both teams may struggle to put up points, keeping the game low-scoring.
• Cowboys to Cover the Spread: Despite the injury concerns, the Cowboys’ defense still has enough pieces to keep the game competitive. If the offense can manage the ball effectively, they have a solid chance of covering the spread.

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Final Thoughts: Injuries Test Dallas in Week 5

The Dallas Cowboys enter Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers facing a slew of injuries that will test their depth and resilience. Without Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, the Cowboys’ defense will have to rely on backups and rookies like Marshawn Nealon to provide pressure on Pittsburgh’s offense. Meanwhile, the absence of Brandon Cooks creates significant challenges for Dak Prescott and the passing game, with Jalen Tolbert needing to step up in his absence.

For bettors, there’s value in betting on the under for total points and taking Jalen Tolbert’s receiving yards prop. While the injuries make this game difficult for Dallas, the Cowboys could still cover the spread if they play efficiently on both sides of the ball. Week 5 will be a true test of how well the Cowboys can adapt in the face of adversity.

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