NFL schedule 2012: Cowboys host the Steelers in Week 15

While both teams have yet to live up to fan expectations, the Cowboys and Steelers reignite an old rivalry with legitimate playoff hopes. Dallas can still win their division, but must catch the Giants and fend off the Redskins to do so. The Steelers are more likely to settle for a Wild Card if they make the postseason, but they too must fend off some late-charging teams.

The Cowboys are coming off an emotional win over the Cincinnati Bengals, where a 20-19 win only told half the story. Dallas lost a practice squad player -- Jerry Brown -- when he was killed in a car accident with fellow Cowboy Josh Brent, who is facing manslaughter charges. But on the field, the Cowboys have won two straight in an attempt to salvage their season and reach the postseason.

Dez Bryant is fighting through a left index finger injury, but it is unsure whether or not he will play. He wants to, which is a breath of fresh air to Cowboys fans who didn't see a lot of production from the young wideout early in the season. After just two touchdowns in the first eight Dallas games, Bryant has racked up seven in his last five contests.

Despite the return of Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers were handily defeated by the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. The final score of 34-24 looked close, but the Chargers took a 27-3 lead late in the third quarter to finish off Pittsburgh early. The Steelers remain in the playoff hunt, two games down to the Ravens in the AFC North. Tied with Cincinnati for the second Wild Card, the Steelers will need a couple more victories to assure their spot in the postseason.

The Steelers and Cowboys have played against each other in three Super Bowls, with Pittsburgh winning X and XIII and the Cowboys victorious in Super Bowl XXX. The teams are 15-15 against each other all time, including the postseason.

Here is the rest of the schedule for Week 15:

Thursday, Dec. 13:

• Bengals at Eagles, 8:20 p.m. ET, NFL Network