NFL Sunday Night Football Preview & Prediction: Cowboys vs. 49ers
Calling this a must-win game for the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football is no exaggeration. Neither NFC powerhouse is a lock for the postseason anymore, but a victory on Sunday night could be crucial.
Will the 49ers bounce back after an ugly home loss to the Chiefs, or will the Cowboys redeem themselves after a bye week following a home blowout by the Lions? Let's break down this pivotal showdown.
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NFL Sunday Night Football Betting Preview: Cowboys vs. 49ers
(Odds Courtesy Of Fanduel Sportsbook)
Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers (-4.5) | O/U 47.5
49ers Look To Stop The Bleeding
The defending NFC champions are battered and struggling. Each of their primary playmakers has dealt with injuries this season. Christian McCaffrey hasn't played a snap, and Brandon Aiyuk is now out for the year.
While it's still early, it's fair to say the 49ers are in trouble. Sunday night's key question will be the health of San Francisco's offense. Jauan Jennings, Aiyuk's natural replacement, has already been ruled out with a hip injury. Deebo Samuel was limited in practice over the past two days, and playing may be a stretch. Meanwhile, George Kittle's regular appearances on the injury report mean he's always at risk of missing action.
Expect Shanahan to lean on the run game against a Cowboys defense that ranks dead last in EPA against the run and will once again be without Demarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons.
Cowboys Must Rise To Formidable Foe
While expectations often outpace reality in Dallas, it's fair to question whether the Cowboys are average this season. Their wins have come against Cleveland, the Giants, and the Steelers-all on the road-while they've been routed by two of the league’s strongest teams, the Ravens and Lions.
This is who the Cowboys are: capable of beating weaker teams but outclassed by the elite. But is San Francisco even an elite team right now?
Dallas may also have a chance to revitalize its running game against a 49ers defense that ranks 28th in rushing EPA. However, the Cowboys have struggled to generate much on the ground this season.
Best Bet & Prediction
They’d be the obvious choice if the 49ers were at full strength. But given San Francisco's slew of injuries, I lean toward Dallas if the spread is higher than a field goal. Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb could exploit a vulnerable 49ers secondary, and the extra week of preparation is a clear advantage. The Cowboys are 3-1 against the spread off the bye under Mike McCarthy.
Pick: Dallas +4.5