The San Francisco 49ers visit the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday in a showdown that pits the NFC’s best regular-season record against a Dallas squad looking to regain its footing. The 49ers enter the game at 7-1, the top team in the conference, while the Cowboys sit at 4-5, aiming to climb back to .500. San Francisco is riding the momentum of a 38-17 win over the Raiders, a game in which their defense forced five turnovers.
Sunday’s matchup at AT&T Stadium will be the first chance to see veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen in action for the 49ers after his trade from the Colts. Allen’s arrival bolsters a receiving group depleted by injuries to Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, Ricky Pearsall, and De’Zhaun Stribling. The addition of Allen gives quarterback Brock Purdy a much-needed target to lean on.
Dallas comes off a narrow 27-23 victory against Indianapolis, led by Dak Prescott’s 335 yards and two touchdowns through the air. Running back Javonte Williams added a 101-yard, one-touchdown effort on 20 carries, while receiver CeeDee Lamb hauled in 10 catches for 195 yards and a touchdown. Despite the win, the Cowboys have struggled to find consistency this season.
The rivalry between these teams adds an extra edge. San Francisco holds a 22-19-1 lead in their 42 previous regular-season meetings, keeping the contest among the NFL’s most entertaining.
The 49ers secondary faces a tough test containing Lamb and wide receiver George Pickens. San Francisco’s defensive backs Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green were both injured against the Raiders and remain game-time decisions. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris said, “We’ll see. Obviously, the injury report is the injury report, whatever that says. We’ll see those guys, if they can get out there, if they can make it, they’ll go.”
Morris called Lamb a “volume player” who is “highly targeted” and compared him to other elite receivers in the division. He described Pickens as a “freak” with “great mover” ability and versatility to shock defenses deep or with catch-and-run plays. “They’re a very, very difficult crew,” Morris said.
San Francisco’s defensive line has been a focus for the team, stacked with players like DeForest Buckner, Nick Bosa, and Keion White. Buckner returned to the 49ers in a trade with the Colts this year, adding depth to a rotation featuring Gracen Halton, Jaden Dugger, Romello Height, CJ West, Osa Odighizuwa, and Mykel Williams.
Although the 49ers didn’t sack the Raiders’ quarterback last week, they pressured the offense enough to force hurried throws and turnovers. Morris pointed to a critical rush by Keion White on a double move that disrupted a potential completion and praised the defense’s ability to make plays when it counts. “They’re being their best when their best is required and that’s really all you can ask,” he said.
Osa Odighizuwa, traded from Dallas to San Francisco in the offseason, faces his former team for the first time. Morris said he hadn’t spoken with Odighizuwa about any extra motivation for the game, “I don’t know if guys hold onto those emotional rollercoaster type things.” Odighizuwa expressed a desire to win a Super Bowl after joining the 49ers, saying in May, “I feel like getting some handcuffs taken off of me a little bit. I definitely want to make the deep playoff run, bro, and get to the dance. I want to get that ring for sure.”
Tight end George Kittle is no fan of the Cowboys and has been known to wear an anti-Cowboys T-shirt for the games. He said he “potentially” will wear it again on Sunday, which could come with added significance if he scores.
On offense, Jordan Watkins emerged as a key target last week and is expected to continue drawing looks from Purdy. The 49ers will rely on their weapons to keep the Cowboys defense off balance.
The game promises to test both defenses and offenses in a matchup that could influence the NFC playoff picture. The health of the 49ers’ secondary and their ability to pressure Prescott and contain Dallas’ top receivers will be among the most closely watched storylines as the teams prepare for kickoff at AT&T Stadium.
According to Yahoo Sports.
