NFL Schedule 2012: Steelers vs. Cowboys and Other Possible Super Bowl Previews

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys will forever be a classic matchup of legendary franchises. This year's clash could be special because when the Steelers visit Big D, it could be a preview of Super Bowl XLVII.

There are 10 games with that potential on the 2012 NFL schedule. Here is a look at the Steelers at Cowboys, and the other games that could be a sneak peak into the big game on Feb. 3, 2013.

Steelers at Cowboys

These two teams have met three times in the Super Bowl. Its the most prolific Super Bowl matchup in league history. If the Cowboys finally realize their enormous potential while navigating the rough-and-tumble NFC East, they can get to New Orleans.

The Steelers will be back as they battle for the AFC Central with the Baltimore Ravens and the up-and-coming Cincinnati Bengals.

This matchup will favor the Cowboys, of course, because it'll be out of the elements in Big D. However, the Steelers will be on a mission after the humiliating loss to the Broncos in last season's playoffs.

49ers at Patriots

This could have been the last Super Bowl matchup were it not for a couple Kyle Williams' miscues.

The Niners are my personal pick to come out of the NFC this season, and the Patriots are the team I lean towards in the AFC.

It will be an interesting contrast of styles, and Randy Moss will be facing his old team.

This should be a great game with tons of hype and anticipation.

Giants at Ravens

The Giants don't look like a team that could repeat on paper—then again, they didn't look like a team that could win a Super Bowl last season. Tom Coughlin has shown the ability to get his team together at the end of the season and in the postseason.

The Ravens were a Super Bowl-caliber team last season. It's desperation time for them. The defense is getting old, and the offense must step up this season.

This is a matchup of two teams in their last run with their current group.

Eagles at Ravens

The "Dream Team" had plenty of sleepless nights last season, but at the end of the year they were at least the best team in the NFC. They won their last four games, outscoring opponents 125-46 in those games. This is what happens when you start off as inconsistent as Mike Vick and Co. did in 2011.

This is the year all of the talent will come together.

The Ravens defense and run game will still be formidable, and this will be a great test for Philly against both units.

Steelers at Giants

Through all of their 12 combined appearances, these two teams have never met in the Super Bowl. Could this be the season that changes?

If the G-Men put together another late-season push and the Steelers right the ship, it could happen.

A Ben Roethlisberger vs. Eli Manning duel would be very compelling.

Eagles at Steelers

An all Pennsylvania Super Bowl would be big there, but also nationwide. A game that features two of the sport's most popular players in Vick and Roethlisberger would get tons of attention in the regular season, let alone the Super Bowl.

Get ready for the features about both men and their road to redemption after off-the-field issues.

Wait for it, wait for it.

Saints at Broncos

The Saints' Super Bowl chances were hit as hard as Gregg Williams intended his players to collide with his bounty targets. Make no mistake, however—this is still a talented team. 

Bringing Drew Brees back is even more essential without Sean Payton on the sidelines. He knows the offense like the back of his hand, and he can help soften the blow of the offense operating without its play-caller. The Saints will still be very good.

Denver will be must-see TV again this year: Exit Tim Tebow, enter Peyton Manning. If the Broncos' running game and defense continue on the same path they were on last season, they could go to the Super Bowl.

This is a legendary QB clash that is a rematch from Super Bowl XLIV. Brees and the Saints got the best of Manning and the Colts then, but what will happen this year?

The Saints would love to enjoy the enormous home-field advantage of playing the Super Bowl in their building.

Cowboys at Ravens

You wanna find out about the Cowboys' toughness this year? This game will definitely be a valid barometer.

The Ravens' physical nature will bring it to Dallas on both sides of the ball, and the game will take place in a hostile road environment.

This will be a great game on the 2012 NFL schedule.

Texans at Bears

The Texans could have been a Super Bowl team last season if not for the rash of injuries that hit them. From Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson to Mario Williams, both sides of the ball took a hit.

Assuming Schaub and Johnson are healthy, the Texans offense should be as good or better than it was last season.

Players like J.J. Watt emerged and could soften the blow of the exit of Williams in free agency.

The Texans are a sleeper in the AFC.

And talk about sleepers, the Bears aren't the sexy pick yet in the NFC. But Jay Cutler finally has his go-to receiver in Brandon Marshall, and the team has protected itself from a possible Matt Forte holdout.

Michael Bush provides more-than-adequate support in Forte's stead, and the defense should be its solid turnover-forcing self.

An unpopular, but possible Super Bowl preview.

Packers at Texans

Green Bay will be back in 2012.

The passing efficiency isn't going anywhere, but the run game and pass defense must improve if the Packers want to win it all. Being dead last against the pass isn't going to work, and the Giants exposed that in the playoffs.

Still, with Aaron Rodgers and that elite receiving group, they will score tons of points again this season.

Two high-octane offenses, so this will be an explosive matchup. If the Texans avoid injuries and the Packers become more balanced, they could hook up for a shootout in the Super Bowl.