Steelers vs. Cowboys final score: Dallas edges Pittsburgh in overtime, 27-24

Dan Bailey kicked a 21-yard field goal 1:24 into overtime, and the Dallas Cowboys won a wild game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, 27-24, Sunday at Cowboys Stadium.

Ben Roethlisberger threw an interception on the second play of the extra period, and Cowboys defensive back Brandon Carr returned it 36 yards to the Steeler one-yard-line. After quarterback Tony Romo took a knee to set up Bailey in the middle of the field, the kicker split the uprights to give Dallas a crucial win.

With just two weeks left in the regular season, the game had major playoff implications. The victory allowed Dallas (8-6) to move into a tie with the Washington Redskins and New York Giants for first place in the NFC East. The loss dropped Pittsburgh (7-7) one game behind the Cincinnati Bengals for the final Wild Card spot in the AFC.

The Cowboys opened the scoring with a 50-yard field goal from Bailey with 8:36 left in the first quarter. Dallas extended its lead to 10-0 with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Tony Romo to Jason Witten early in the second.

However, Pittsburgh responded before halftime. Shaun Suisham put the Steelers on the board with a 32-yard field goal, and Roethlisberger hooked up with Heath Miller for a 30-yard score to tie the game with 34 seconds left in the half.

The Cowboys regained the lead midway through the third when Romo passed to Dez Bryant, who was dealing with a broken finger, for a 24-yard touchdown. Pittsburgh responded on its next possession with a one-yard plunge from Jonathan Dwyer.

The Steelers took their first lead early in the fourth quarter, as Roethlisberger threw a seven-yard touchdown to Antonio Brown. The Cowboys bounced back, though, and DeMarco Murray scored from three yards out to tie the game at 24-24 with 6:55 left in regulation.

Pittsburgh won the toss in overtime and took the ball, but after a seven-yard completion to Miller, Roethlisberger threw the interception that set the Cowboys up for victory.

Winners

Romo has received plenty of flak for his abilities as a starting quarterback, but against the Steelers he was nearly flawless. He compiled a quarterback rating of 111.3 and was easily the best player on the field for Dallas.

Losers

The Pittsburgh defense just couldn't get enough stops. The Steelers allowed Dallas to rack up 415 yards and 23 first downs, wasting a nice day for Roethlisberger and the offense.

Stat of the game

Pittsburgh committed zero penalties, and Dallas committed eight for 61 yards -- and the Cowboys still won. That's pretty incredible.

Fantasy studs and duds

Both quarterbacks put up great numbers for their owners, as Romo threw for 341 yards and two touchdowns and Roethlisberger had 339 yards, two touchdowns and the one interception. Murray's 81 rushing yards and one touchdown were nice, although, he did lose a fumble. Several Pittsburgh receivers had efficient days: Miller had 92 yards and a score, and Brown compiled 76 yards and also found the end zone.

The biggest dud was the Pittsburgh defense. Yes, the Steelers forced one turnover, but they allowed way too many points and yards to Romo and the Dallas offense.

Odds

The line opened at even money, and by kickoff, the Steelers were either 2- or 2½-point favorites at most sportsbooks. For more NFL lines, check out SB Nation's NFL odds hub.

Injury info

Neither team had to deal with any injuries during the game.

Next up

12/23: Saints at Cowboys, 1 p.m. ET

12/23: Bengals at Steelers, 1 p.m. ET