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Odds by Paddy Power
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KICKOFF: Sunday, 4:15 ET
SURFACE: Grass
TV: FOX (Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver)
SERIES: 27th regular-season meeting. Dallas leads the series 14-12. Pittsburgh won the last meeting 24-20 in 2004. Dallas has won four of the past five games.
PREDICTION: Steelers 23-19
KEYS TO THE GAME: Cowboys QB Tony Romo is coming off consecutive 300-yard, three-touchdown passing games, and expects to play without the splint that has protected his right pinky the past three games. But the Steelers are at home and possess the league's No. 1-rated defense against the run, pass and overall. They allow just 3.88 yards per carry, which would be the lowest figure in the NFL since 1978. Romo's mobility will be key with Pittsburgh also leading the NFL with 42 sacks. And rookie RB Tashard Choice will play a major role if Marion Barber can't play.
Out of the shadows: The Steelers' offense has shown signs of becoming more consistent with RB Willie Parker back to lead the ground game. Mewelde Moore is proving to be a quality complement in the backfield, and the combination is making life easier on QB Ben Roethlisberger. The Cowboys are just behind the Steelers with 40 sacks, but top pass-rusher OLB DeMarcus Ware could be limited by a knee injury. Dallas lacks a lot of other playmakers on defense, so it needs the front seven to take advantage of Roethlisberger's propensity to hold the ball too long.
Key Injuries: Cowboys: Barber (dislocated toe) will be a game-time decision; Ware (knee) guaranteed he will play. Steelers: Roethlisberger tweaked his knee in practice but will play; DE Brett Keisel (knee) and LT Marvel Smith (knee) are out.
Need to know: Ware has broken his own franchise sack record for a linebacker with a career-high 15 sacks. ... The Steelers clinch a playoff spot with a win and losses by Miami and New England.
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