In what could be the last season of his career, Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers kick off the 2021 preseason against the Dallas Cowboys in the annual Hall of Fame Game.
The NFL is back! The 2021 preseason kicks off Thursday from Canton, Ohio, with the annual Hall of Fame Game, this year featuring the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers, who are 1-point favourites to win on the NFL odds.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Dallas and Pittsburgh were also scheduled to play in the 2020 Hall of Fame Game, but the entire preseason was cancelled due to COVID. That’s one thing bettors will want to keep an eye on in these exhibition games: Which teams have a long list of guys on the COVID list? The Minnesota Vikings, for example, currently have their top three QBs on that list.
With the addition of a 17th regular-season game going forward (and it will be 18 within a handful of years), the preseason has been cut to three games for 30 of the 32 teams. The Cowboys and Steelers will play four because of this one. They also were allowed to report to training camp a few days earlier than other clubs.
Don’t expect many starters to play Thursday and any who might will be out there VERY briefly. The total is a miniscule 34 points because the Hall of Fame Game is often very low scoring. No game since 2013 has seen more than 40 points scored.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys’ 2020 season went down the tubes when star QB Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 5. He’s healed from that but dealing with a minor shoulder problem and won’t play Thursday – he wouldn’t have regardless. Star wideout Amari Cooper is unavailable coming off surgery. This is the first preseason in charge of the team for Coach Mike McCarthy, the former Packers coach. He’s on a hot seat because Dallas disappointed last year. If looking for something to watch, perhaps the Cowboys’ backup QB situation. Cooper Rush and Garrett Gilbert are battling for the No. 2 spot. Dallas is 3-3 straight up all-time in this game – last beating Arizona in 2017 — and is 4-6 SU in its past 10 preseason games and 3-6-1 against the spread.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers were the NFL’s last unbeaten team last year at 11-0 but then collapsed, capped by a shocking home upset loss in the wild-card round to Cleveland. It was far from 100 per cent that future Hall of Fame QB Ben Roethlisberger would return in 2021, but he has. It should be his final season. The Steelers also have a competition for the No. 2 QB spot between Mason Rudolph (the favourite), Dwayne Haskins and Joshua Dobbs. Rudolph should start Thursday, but Haskins will likely play the most of the three. The former first-round pick by Washington was signed in January. Pittsburgh is also 3-3 SU all-time in this game – last losing to Minnesota in 2015 – and is 7-3 SU overall in its past 10 preseason games and 6-3-1 ATS.
Who Will Win Cowboys vs. Steelers?
Line History
No odds are available yet.
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Cowboys Team Leaders
| Touchdowns |
12 |
| Rushing |
1002 |
| Passing |
4449 |
| Receiving |
79 |
| Sacks |
13 |
| Interceptions |
11 |
| Touchdowns |
10 |
| Rushing |
1200 |
| Passing |
3740 |
| Receiving |
107 |
| Sacks |
22.5 |
| Interceptions |
3 |
| Touchdowns |
1 |
| Rushing |
31 |
| Passing |
254 |
| Receiving |
7 |
| Sacks |
0 |
| Interceptions |
1 |
| Touchdowns |
1 |
| Rushing |
29 |
| Passing |
215 |
| Receiving |
5 |
| Sacks |
1 |
| Interceptions |
1 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Steelers Team Leaders
| Touchdowns |
12 |
| Rushing |
1002 |
| Passing |
4449 |
| Receiving |
79 |
| Sacks |
13 |
| Interceptions |
11 |
| Touchdowns |
10 |
| Rushing |
1200 |
| Passing |
3740 |
| Receiving |
107 |
| Sacks |
22.5 |
| Interceptions |
3 |
| Touchdowns |
1 |
| Rushing |
31 |
| Passing |
254 |
| Receiving |
7 |
| Sacks |
0 |
| Interceptions |
1 |
| Touchdowns |
1 |
| Rushing |
29 |
| Passing |
215 |
| Receiving |
5 |
| Sacks |
1 |
| Interceptions |
1 |
Weather
| temp | 83 |
| condition | sunny |
| wind | North 5mph |
Injuries
Francis Bernard (LB)
Jayron Kearse (S)
Sean McKeon (TE)
Israel Mukuamu (CB)
Keanu Neal (LB)
Nahshon Wright (CB)
T.J. Vasher (WR)
Anthony Brown (CB)
Donovan Wilson (S)
Ezekiel Elliott (RB)
James Pierre (DB)
Trai Turner (T)
Ben Roethlisberger (QB)
Robert Spillane (LB)
Arthur Maulet (S)
Najee Harris (RB)
James Washington (WR)
Diontae Johnson (WR)
Arthur Maulet (S)
Joe Haden (CB)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Francis Bernard (LB) | Prob Sun | Groin - 13 / 01 / 22 | 1-0 | 1-0 | + - |
|
Bernard is expected to face the 49ers in the NFC wild-card game despite a groin injury. |
|||||
| Jayron Kearse (S) | Prob Sun | Hamstring - 13 / 01 / 22 | 1-0 | 1-0 | + - |
|
Kearse is likely to be available for the NFC wild-card game versus the 49ers despite a hamstring issue. |
|||||
| Sean McKeon (TE) | Prob Sun | Neck - 13 / 01 / 22 | 1-0 | 1-0 | + - |
|
McKeon is projected to take the field for the NFC wild-card game against the 49ers despite a neck injury. |
|||||
| Israel Mukuamu (CB) | Out indefinitely | Hamstring - 13 / 01 / 22 | 1-0 | 1-0 | + - |
|
Mukuamu has landed on the injured reserve list due to a hamstring injury, and he will miss an undetermined length of time. |
|||||
| Keanu Neal (LB) | Out Sun | Chest - 12 / 01 / 22 | 1-0 | 1-0 | + - |
|
Neal is hindered by injuries to his chest and elbow, and it will affect his availability for the NFC wild-card game versus the 49ers. |
|||||
| Nahshon Wright (CB) | Prob Sun | Personal - 12 / 01 / 22 | 1-0 | 1-0 | + - |
|
Wright is tending to a personal matter, but it is anticipated that he will be available for the NFC wild-card game against the 49ers. |
|||||
| T.J. Vasher (WR) | I-R | Undisclosed - 12 / 01 / 22 | 1-0 | 1-0 | + - |
|
Vasher has been designated for the IR/Non-Football Injury list with an unannounced issue. |
|||||
| Anthony Brown (CB) | Out indefinitely | Illness - 06 / 01 / 22 | 1-1 | 1-1 | + - |
|
Brown has been added to the IR/COVID-19 list, and it has yet to be decided when he will return to action. |
|||||
| Donovan Wilson (S) | Prob Sat | Illness - 06 / 01 / 22 | 1-1 | 1-1 | + - |
|
Wilson is managing an illness, but it is likely that he will take on the Eagles on Saturday. |
|||||
| Ezekiel Elliott (RB) | Prob Sat | Knee - 04 / 01 / 22 | 1-1 | 1-1 | + - |
|
Elliott is hobbled by a knee injury, but it is anticipated that he will take the field Saturday versus the Eagles. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Pierre (DB) | Out indefinitely | Illness - 14 / 01 / 22 | 1-0 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Pierre will miss an undetermined length of time after winding up on the COVID-19 list. |
|||||
| Trai Turner (T) | Prob Sun | Knee - 13 / 01 / 22 | 1-0 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Turner is tending to a knee injury, but it is anticipated that he will suit up for the AFC wild-card game versus the Chiefs. |
|||||
| Ben Roethlisberger (QB) | Prob Sun | Shoulder - 12 / 01 / 22 | 1-0 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Roethlisberger is hampered by shoulder and pectoral injuries, but it is anticipated that he will take the field for the AFC wild-card tilt versus the Chiefs. |
|||||
| Robert Spillane (LB) | Ques Sun | Knee - 11 / 01 / 22 | 1-0 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Spillane is managing a knee injury, leaving his status for the AFC wild-card game versus the Chiefs clouded. |
|||||
| Arthur Maulet (S) | Prob Sun | Concussion - 11 / 01 / 22 | 1-0 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Maulet is going through the concussion protocol, but it is likely that he will be cleared in time for the AFC wild-card game versus the Chiefs. |
|||||
| Najee Harris (RB) | Prob Sun | Elbow - 09 / 01 / 22 | 2-0 | 0-2 | + - |
|
Harris has an elbow injury, but it is expected that he will be in the AFC wild-card lineup versus the Chiefs. |
|||||
| James Washington (WR) | Out indefinitely | Illness - 08 / 01 / 22 | 2-0 | 0-2 | + - |
|
Washington will miss an undetermined length of time after winding up on the COVID-19 list. |
|||||
| Diontae Johnson (WR) | Out indefinitely | Illness - 06 / 01 / 22 | 2-0 | 0-2 | + - |
|
Johnson has been moved to the IR/COVID-19 list, and team officials have yet to provide an exact return date. |
|||||
| Arthur Maulet (S) | Prob Sun | Illness - 06 / 01 / 22 | 2-0 | 0-2 | + - |
|
Maulet is managing an illness, but it is projected that he will line up against the Ravens on Sunday. |
|||||
| Joe Haden (CB) | Out indefinitely | Illness - 05 / 01 / 22 | 2-0 | 0-2 | + - |
|
Haden has been shuttled to the IR/COVID-19 list, and it is unclear when he will return to action. |
|||||
-
DALLAS COWBOYS
17 -
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
20
Score
Prediction
-
Line History
No odds are available yet.
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Cowboys Team Leaders
Touchdowns 12
Rushing 1002
Passing 4449
Receiving 79
Sacks 13
Interceptions 11
Touchdowns 10
Rushing 1200
Passing 3740
Receiving 107
Sacks 22.5
Interceptions 3
Touchdowns 1
Rushing 31
Passing 254
Receiving 7
Sacks 0
Interceptions 1
Touchdowns 1
Rushing 29
Passing 215
Receiving 5
Sacks 1
Interceptions 1
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Steelers Team Leaders
Touchdowns 12
Rushing 1002
Passing 4449
Receiving 79
Sacks 13
Interceptions 11
Touchdowns 10
Rushing 1200
Passing 3740
Receiving 107
Sacks 22.5
Interceptions 3
Touchdowns 1
Rushing 31
Passing 254
Receiving 7
Sacks 0
Interceptions 1
Touchdowns 1
Rushing 29
Passing 215
Receiving 5
Sacks 1
Interceptions 1
-
Weather
temp 83 condition sunny wind North 5mph -
Injuries
Francis Bernard (LB)
Prob Sun Groin - 13 / 01 / 22Jayron Kearse (S)
Prob Sun Hamstring - 13 / 01 / 22Sean McKeon (TE)
Prob Sun Neck - 13 / 01 / 22Israel Mukuamu (CB)
Out indefinitely Hamstring - 13 / 01 / 22Keanu Neal (LB)
Out Sun Chest - 12 / 01 / 22Nahshon Wright (CB)
Prob Sun Personal - 12 / 01 / 22T.J. Vasher (WR)
I-R Undisclosed - 12 / 01 / 22Anthony Brown (CB)
Out indefinitely Illness - 06 / 01 / 22Donovan Wilson (S)
Prob Sat Illness - 06 / 01 / 22Ezekiel Elliott (RB)
Prob Sat Knee - 04 / 01 / 22James Pierre (DB)
Out indefinitely Illness - 14 / 01 / 22Trai Turner (T)
Prob Sun Knee - 13 / 01 / 22Ben Roethlisberger (QB)
Prob Sun Shoulder - 12 / 01 / 22Robert Spillane (LB)
Ques Sun Knee - 11 / 01 / 22Arthur Maulet (S)
Prob Sun Concussion - 11 / 01 / 22Najee Harris (RB)
Prob Sun Elbow - 09 / 01 / 22James Washington (WR)
Out indefinitely Illness - 08 / 01 / 22Diontae Johnson (WR)
Out indefinitely Illness - 06 / 01 / 22Arthur Maulet (S)
Prob Sun Illness - 06 / 01 / 22Joe Haden (CB)
Out indefinitely Illness - 05 / 01 / 22Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Francis Bernard (LB) Prob Sun Groin - 13 / 01 / 22 1-0 1-0 + - Bernard is expected to face the 49ers in the NFC wild-card game despite a groin injury.
Jayron Kearse (S) Prob Sun Hamstring - 13 / 01 / 22 1-0 1-0 + - Kearse is likely to be available for the NFC wild-card game versus the 49ers despite a hamstring issue.
Sean McKeon (TE) Prob Sun Neck - 13 / 01 / 22 1-0 1-0 + - McKeon is projected to take the field for the NFC wild-card game against the 49ers despite a neck injury.
Israel Mukuamu (CB) Out indefinitely Hamstring - 13 / 01 / 22 1-0 1-0 + - Mukuamu has landed on the injured reserve list due to a hamstring injury, and he will miss an undetermined length of time.
Keanu Neal (LB) Out Sun Chest - 12 / 01 / 22 1-0 1-0 + - Neal is hindered by injuries to his chest and elbow, and it will affect his availability for the NFC wild-card game versus the 49ers.
Nahshon Wright (CB) Prob Sun Personal - 12 / 01 / 22 1-0 1-0 + - Wright is tending to a personal matter, but it is anticipated that he will be available for the NFC wild-card game against the 49ers.
T.J. Vasher (WR) I-R Undisclosed - 12 / 01 / 22 1-0 1-0 + - Vasher has been designated for the IR/Non-Football Injury list with an unannounced issue.
Anthony Brown (CB) Out indefinitely Illness - 06 / 01 / 22 1-1 1-1 + - Brown has been added to the IR/COVID-19 list, and it has yet to be decided when he will return to action.
Donovan Wilson (S) Prob Sat Illness - 06 / 01 / 22 1-1 1-1 + - Wilson is managing an illness, but it is likely that he will take on the Eagles on Saturday.
Ezekiel Elliott (RB) Prob Sat Knee - 04 / 01 / 22 1-1 1-1 + - Elliott is hobbled by a knee injury, but it is anticipated that he will take the field Saturday versus the Eagles.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes James Pierre (DB) Out indefinitely Illness - 14 / 01 / 22 1-0 0-1 + - Pierre will miss an undetermined length of time after winding up on the COVID-19 list.
Trai Turner (T) Prob Sun Knee - 13 / 01 / 22 1-0 0-1 + - Turner is tending to a knee injury, but it is anticipated that he will suit up for the AFC wild-card game versus the Chiefs.
Ben Roethlisberger (QB) Prob Sun Shoulder - 12 / 01 / 22 1-0 0-1 + - Roethlisberger is hampered by shoulder and pectoral injuries, but it is anticipated that he will take the field for the AFC wild-card tilt versus the Chiefs.
Robert Spillane (LB) Ques Sun Knee - 11 / 01 / 22 1-0 0-1 + - Spillane is managing a knee injury, leaving his status for the AFC wild-card game versus the Chiefs clouded.
Arthur Maulet (S) Prob Sun Concussion - 11 / 01 / 22 1-0 0-1 + - Maulet is going through the concussion protocol, but it is likely that he will be cleared in time for the AFC wild-card game versus the Chiefs.
Najee Harris (RB) Prob Sun Elbow - 09 / 01 / 22 2-0 0-2 + - Harris has an elbow injury, but it is expected that he will be in the AFC wild-card lineup versus the Chiefs.
James Washington (WR) Out indefinitely Illness - 08 / 01 / 22 2-0 0-2 + - Washington will miss an undetermined length of time after winding up on the COVID-19 list.
Diontae Johnson (WR) Out indefinitely Illness - 06 / 01 / 22 2-0 0-2 + - Johnson has been moved to the IR/COVID-19 list, and team officials have yet to provide an exact return date.
Arthur Maulet (S) Prob Sun Illness - 06 / 01 / 22 2-0 0-2 + - Maulet is managing an illness, but it is projected that he will line up against the Ravens on Sunday.
Joe Haden (CB) Out indefinitely Illness - 05 / 01 / 22 2-0 0-2 + - Haden has been shuttled to the IR/COVID-19 list, and it is unclear when he will return to action.