On 5th August, the NFL season is due to kick off with a bang. Long-span rivals since the 70s, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, are set to lock horns. You may not think there is much of a rivalry as they only play each other once every four regular seasons. But throughout the decades, there have been some thrilling Super Bowl finals that created a rivalry between the two teams. This Hall of Fame game is one to watch. 

Pittsburgh Steelers

This season the Steelers have signed a few new players that are due to impact this season. One exciting new player is Melvin Ingram. Ingram has spent the last of his 9-year career at the Los Angeles Chargers. The linebacker made Chargers history with 70 tackles for a loss ranked 2nd in Chargers’ history. He is renowned for being one of the NFL’s best edge rushers. After battling a knee injury in 2020, Ingram now says he feels better than ever. He said in a recent statement: “Had an injury last year, but that’s part of the game. It’s a physical sport. Right now, I’m 100, 200 percent healthy. I feel amazing.” Ingram already feels at home with the Steel City family and even said: “They welcomed me with open arms.” 

There are many new players signed and older favorites that have resigned. One player that is still at the Steelers is the legend “Big Ben.” Ben Roethlisberger will return to the NFL season for his 18th year. Over his decorated career, he has won 2 Super Bowls, 6 Pro Bowl selections and is the eighth-highest-rated passer in NFL history. The quarterback has 18 years of experience, which is a massive advantage in the strategic game of football. Big Ben is raring to go and recently said: “I love this game and love to compete, and I believe in this team and my ability to deliver when called upon. It all starts with great preparation, and I am ready to go.” 

Overall, the Steelers have signed some fresh legs with potential. However, they have an inexperienced offensive line that may set them back a peg. But, Coach Tomlin is confident in his team this year and is excited to give the fans a show after the Hall of Fame game was canceled last year. 

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys enter this season with a few unhealthy injuries that will hopefully disappear later in the season. However, the Cowboys still class as the fourth-best roster in the NFC. 

Texan fans are optimistic for this year’s season, especially with Dak Prescott returning. The quarterback recently had a minor shoulder strain. But, be said, it wouldn’t be “any kind of serious setback.” Dak Prescott is a high-ranking quarterback that will dictate the outcome of a Cowboys’ game. 

The Cowboys have made some new signings this season. Keanu Neal has been signed, who is making a change to linebacker. This might be seen as a bit of a challenge; however, Neal said: “Wherever they put me, I’m going to prepare to go out there and play my best. Growing up, I played linebacker in middle school and high school…But in my heart, I have been a linebacker for a while.” 

The Cowboys had a poor 2020 season with injuries and losing influential players. But they are predicted to be deadly this season, on the condition of a full roster with no injuries. It is worth noting the Cowboys finished ahead of the Steelers last season. However, in 2020 the Steelers beat the Cowboys in a victory of 24-19. Over the years, they have faced off 33 times, including three postseason games. The Steelers have won 16, and the Cowboys have won 17. 

Odds and Predictions

The game is shaping up to become a close-fought game due to the contest’s rivalry. They are described as the most notable non-conference rivalry in the NFL, dating back to the 1970s when the two sides dominated the NFL. With the Steelers triumphant over two Super Bowl championships against the Cowboys in 1976 and 1979. With the Cowboys having to wait until 1996 to seek revenge.

 The Cowboys have made eight Super Bowls, winning five of them, and the Steelers have also made eight Super Bowls, winning six. This places them joint with the New England Patriots in the most Super Bowl championships. This confirms that these are two of the NFL’s most decorated teams of all time. However, looking at previous head-to-head stats and last season’s form, the Steelers look to have the edge over the Cowboys. The greatest odds for the Steelers being 5/6 on BetMGM and for the Cowboys +115 on DraftKings.

 Despite FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings tipping the Steelers to win, they all recognize how tight the game will be based on the point spread odds almost identical for both teams. The over/under odds of 33 are identical at -110 each way.

Due to the six-month break, both teams have fully fit teams apart from the Cowboys missing Amari Cooper. The game should be a great contest and full of energy, with both sides looking to get their seasons off to winning ways. We predict that the Steelers will be victorious and get back to winning ways after their poor run of form at the end of last season.

Make Your Season One to Remember

This is shaping up to be an exciting pre-season game and start to the NFL. Since PASPA was struck down in 2018, it is now legal in many states to place bets on sportsbooks and apps. To make this a season to remember, Best App Bet provides you with all the best legal US sportsbook apps to use throughout the NFL season. Best App Bet also provides a map. If you also click on the states category and it will lead you to the map of what’s legal in which state, so you’ll never be uncertain of what’s legal in your state. 

So visit BestAppBet today, sign up and claim your free bets for the NFL season!