Cowboys vs Steelers: Each team’s X-factor player for Week 5

The Dallas Cowboys walk in to Week 5 looking like the "great unknown." With a lengthy list of injuries, young guys hoping to step up, the bottom line still remains Dallas is trying to get back above .500 early in the season.

The Steelers won't be an easy matchup as they present a lot of unique challenges the Cowboys struggle to contend with, but with a tough schedule on the horizon, every game is vitally important to Dallas if they are hoping to do something significant this season.

Dallas Cowboys X-factor: Terence Steele Cowboys right tackle Terence Steele is in for a long night Sunday as he prepares to face off against T.J. Watt. The Steelers pass rusher does the majority of his work form the defenses left side, which has him locking horns with Steele for much of the night.

The two have matched up before with Steele holding up well, but an encore performance is needed in Week 5. How Steele is able to answer the bell this week and key Dak Prescott upright will go a long way in determining if Dallas has a chance on Sunday night.

Look for Watt to find some success, as he naturally does each week. But how Steele and this game plan is able to limit him this week has a chance to tell it all after Week 5.

Pittsburgh Steelers X-factor: Najee Harris The Steelers running back room is banged up right now with Jaylen Warren out and Cordarrelle Patterson missing the game as well. Those absences put the burden on Najee Harris' shoulders as he looks to develop and sustain a running game against this poor Cowboys rush defense.

The Steelers will be limited in their options beyond Harris with former Cowboy Aaron Shampklin in line for some carries, but Dallas can expect to see Harris get the lion's share of the work.

Harris has struggled a bit to get going this season in the new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's system, but with the Cowboys reputation for being poor against the run, and Pittsburgh coming off of a tough loss to the Indianapolis Colts , there is a real chance they will look to come in and try to force the run a little bit.

Quarterback Justin Fields has done some nice things this season, but he hasn't been consistent enough for them to lean heavily on the passing game. If that is the case once again, we can expect to see a healthy dose of Harris on Sunday night and Dallas better be ready to answer the call.