Who is playing on Sunday Night Football? Overview of Week 5 matchup
Week 4 of NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” showcased a possible clash for the AFC Championship. This week, we look forward to an exciting encounter between two historic NFL teams.
The Dallas Cowboys are traveling this week to face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a highly anticipated “Sunday Night Football” matchup. These teams have squared off in the Super Bowl on three occasions and currently hold the top two spots for overall victories since the NFL merger in 1970, with the Steelers leading at 517 wins and the Cowboys following with 497.
For the second week in a row, the Cowboys will play in primetime after securing a 20-15 victory against the New York Giants on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 4.
On the other hand, the Steelers suffered their first loss of the season last week as they fell 27-24 to the Indianapolis Colts.
The Steelers have made a strong start in 2024, and a win against Dallas in this primetime game could solidify their status as serious contenders.
Here’s what you need to know about the “Sunday Night Football” matchup in Week 5.
Who is playing on Sunday Night Football tonight?
- Matchup: Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
- Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
The Steelers (3-1) are set to host the Cowboys (2-2) in NBC’s fifth “Sunday Night Football” broadcast of the season. While Pittsburgh is favored to win, the Cowboys will certainly pose a tough challenge.
Both teams are facing multiple injuries as they head into Week 5. The Cowboys will be missing wide receiver Brandin Cooks, and key defensive players Demarcus Lawrence (on IR) and Micah Parsons are also unavailable due to injuries suffered against the Giants. These absences could be critical, especially since the Steelers’ offensive line is already under strain.
The Steelers lost starting right guard James Daniels to a torn Achilles in Week 4, joining other offensive linemen Nate Herbig, Troy Fautanu, and Dylan Cook on the injured list. Left guard Isaac Seumalo has yet to play this season but might return to face the Cowboys. Pittsburgh has had to rotate through different offensive line combinations throughout the early weeks.
The Steelers have displayed remarkable consistency over the past nearly two decades, achieving a record of .500 or better for 17 consecutive seasons. The team’s competitive spirit is a testament to head coach Mike Tomlin’s leadership.
Tomlin has confirmed that Justin Fields will be starting his fifth game for the Steelers, as Russell Wilson is still recovering from a calf injury sustained during training camp.
This offseason, the Steelers strengthened their defense by acquiring former Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen. They boast several top-tier players on defense, including T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward up front, alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick and Joey Porter Jr. in the secondary.
T.J. Watt, a defensive end for the Steelers, will be a key player to watch this Sunday night. He played all 17 games last season and led the league with 19 sacks, finishing as the runner-up for the Defensive Player of the Year award, a recognition many felt he was overlooked for. He has led the league in sacks three times over his career.
While the Cowboys’ offense was powerful last season, they have struggled to regain that form in 2024. They currently rank last in rushing yards per game and have relied heavily on Dak Prescott to drive their offense, with CeeDee Lamb as the primary target.
The outcome of this contest could provide significant momentum as teams navigate the middle of the season and could impact playoff positioning in the latter part of the regular season.
What time is the NFL game tonight?
- Date: Sunday, October 6
- Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
The Steelers vs. Cowboys game is scheduled to begin at 8:20 p.m. ET, which is the standard kickoff time for most of NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” games during the 2024 NFL season. The game will be called by Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (analysis), and Melissa Starks (field reporting).
NBC will also air its pregame show, “Football Night In America,” starting at 7 p.m. ET. Host Maria Taylor will be joined by NBC analysts including Jason Garrett, Tony Dungy, Devin McCourty, and Matthew Berry.
What channel is Sunday Night Football on tonight?
- TV Channel: NBC
- Live stream: Peacock | Fubo
You can watch “Sunday Night Football” on NBC in 2024, continuing the tradition that began when the network acquired the rights to the show in 2006.
If you’ve cut the cord, you can still catch the game via NBC’s streaming service, Peacock, or Fubo, which offers a free trial option.
