Steelers vs. Cowboys 2012: Game preview, kickoff time, TV schedule and more

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys are ready to square off Sunday at Cowboys Stadium in what is the most important game of the season for both sides.

Pittsburgh and Dallas each come in at 7-6, with the Steelers in slightly better shape. If Pittsburgh wins its last three games, the playoffs are a lock. The Cowboys are on the outside looking in right now, but only slightly.

However, Pittsburgh is trending down after a surprising loss at home to the San Diego Chargers last weekend. Ben Roethlisberger returned and didn't play well, while the defense was nowhere to be found.

Now, the Steelers will have to sum up some resolve to beat a Cowboys team that has won two straight following an embarrassing Thanksgiving Day loss to the Washington Redskins.

Another hurdle will be the absence of Rashard Mendenhall, whom Pittsburgh suspended for conduct detrimental to the team. (Jonathan Dwyer continues to start at running back.) If the Steelers can rise above all of that, they will control their own destiny with two home games remaining.

TV: CBS

Time: 4:25 p.m. ET