Dallas Cowboys (3-3) will face off against the San Francisco 49ers (3-4) on Sunday at 8:20 p.m. EDT, broadcasted live on NBC. The current betting odds from BetMGM favor the 49ers by 4 1/2 points. In terms of performance against the spread, the Cowboys have recorded a 2-4 record this season, while the 49ers sit at 3-4. Historical matchups show the 49ers leading the series 20 wins to 19 losses, with one tie. The most recent encounter took place on October 8, 2023, where the 49ers convincingly defeated the Cowboys with a score of 42-10.
The Cowboys had a bye week following their significant loss against the Lions, where they were beaten 47-9 on October 13. Meanwhile, the 49ers are coming off a defeat, losing 28-18 to the Chiefs. Analyzing the performance metrics, Dallas ranks 12th overall in offensive production, 32nd in rushing, 2nd in passing, and 20th in scoring. On the defensive side, they are positioned 24th overall, 27th against the run, 19th against passes, and 31st in scoring defense. In contrast, San Francisco’s offense is much higher, ranked 3rd overall, with a 7th place for rushing, 4th for passing, and 8th in scoring. Their defense holds a 14th overall rank, 12th against the run, 16th against the pass, and also scores 16th for points allowed.
A crucial player to keep an eye on for the Cowboys is the All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. He has led Dallas in receiving yards for four of their six games so far, although he is yet to achieve a 100-yard game this season. Last year, Lamb had eight such performances, but he has recently faced criticism for his route-running, especially following the loss to Detroit. The relationship between Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott appears to be strained as they have had a few tense exchanges on the sideline. Their previous encounter against the 49ers last season was particularly tough, as Lamb’s actions drew significant attention amid a discouraging offensive display.
On the 49ers’ side, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall made headlines by debuting in the NFL after recovering from a gunshot wound to the chest just 50 days prior. In the recent game against Kansas City, Pearsall had three receptions for 21 yards, and with Brandon Aiyuk out for the season due to a knee injury, he may find himself with increased responsibilities this Sunday.
Another key aspect in this matchup is the special teams play. The Cowboys boast one of the top special teams units, while the 49ers have struggled significantly in this area. San Francisco is currently on track for the third-lowest net punting average over the last decade, and they recently allowed a long return that resulted in a touchdown. Additionally, the 49ers have faced issues such as a blocked punt, a kick return touchdown allowed, and poor positioning on kickoffs. Conversely, Dallas had a touchdown on a punt return in Week 1 and leads the league in average punt return yardage.
Injury reports indicate that two-time All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons may be a game-time decision after having missed two games due to a high ankle sprain. This is the first time Parsons has faced injury issues during his tenure with Dallas. Cornerback DaRon Bland is also questionable for the game as he hasn’t played yet this season following surgery for a stress fracture in his foot. On the San Francisco side, key wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings are also likely to be uncertain for this week’s matchup.
Historically, the 49ers have won the last three matchups, including two playoff encounters, and are looking to extend their winning streak over the Cowboys, a feat not accomplished since a six-game streak from 1981 to 1990. Last season’s 42-10 win marked the widest margin of victory in the series for the Niners. Prescott has had mixed results against San Francisco, boasting a passer rating of just 60.3 with three touchdown passes but also six interceptions in his last three starts against them.
In statistical terms, the Cowboys have achieved two prime-time victories, and they are noteworthy for being 3-0 on the road this season, while struggling at home with an 0-3 record. Currently, Dallas is tied for 26th place in defensive turnovers with just five, and they have a turnover margin of minus-6, starkly contrasting their previous performance under former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Prescott will approach this game with a chance to tie Tony Romo for the franchise record with his 24th prime-time appearance, having led a successful fourth-quarter drive in their last Sunday Night game.
Meanwhile, the 49ers find themselves in a precarious position, at risk of dropping two games below .500 for the first time since 2021. Quarterback Brock Purdy faces challenges after throwing three interceptions last week. However, he also made history by becoming the first 49ers quarterback to record two rushing touchdowns in a single game. Notably, Purdy’s 17 rushing first downs rank him among the top quarterbacks this season, and San Francisco leads the NFL with 26 passes of at least 20 yards.
For fantasy football enthusiasts, the 49ers may rely more heavily on running back Jordan Mason due to the injuries among their wide receiver corps. After a strong start to the season where Mason averaged 111.8 rushing yards per game in the first four weeks, he has found himself with only 37 carries in the past three games. This matchup might present a perfect opportunity for him to regain that kind of production.