Normally, when the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers meet, it’s either in the playoffs or a marquee matchup between NFC contenders. Unfortunately for both teams, that is not the case entering Week 8. In a pivotal game, both squads are simply desperate for a win, with the 49ers favored at home against a Cowboys team coming off a 47-9 loss to Detroit before a bye.
Viewed as Super Bowl contenders coming into this season, Dallas (3-3) and San Francisco (3-4) are currently out of playoff contention. Injuries have played a big part in their struggles but they don’t absolve either team of its disappointing showings thus far.
The Cowboys hope to be healthier coming out of the bye, but pass rusher Micah Parsons (ankle) and cornerback DaRon Bland (toe) are both out. There are big concerns surrounding the team’s defense, which is giving up 28 points per game (second-to-last in the NFL) and 143.2 rushing yards per game.
Another issue for Dallas has been a one-dimensional offense that is producing a league-low 77.2 rushing yards per game. The Cowboys are second in the league in passing offense (259.3 yards per game), but the lack of balance has stifled the team’s scoring output. The 49ers will no doubt look to take advantage by cranking up the pressure on Dak Prescott.
Balance hasn’t been a problem for San Francisco’s offense, even though star running back Christian McCaffrey has yet to play this season. Jordan Mason is second in the league in rushing (667 yards), and Brock Purdy is third in passing yards, much of that coming before last week’s injuries to his weapons. Mason (shoulder) was limited in practice on Thursday, but was not listed on the injury report on Friday.
The 49ers won’t have McCaffrey back this week, especially with the team’s bye coming up. They also just lost Brandon Aiyuk (torn ACL and MCL). Deebo Samuel’s status is uncertain after he was hospitalized with pneumonia. This obviously makes things tougher for Purdy, who is looking to bounce back after throwing three interceptions last week.
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Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers odds
How to watch Cowboys at 49ers
- Venue: Levi’s Stadium — Santa Clara, Calif.
- Time: 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday
- TV: NBC
- Streaming: Fubo (try for free)
Expert picks for Cowboys at 49ers
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(Photo of Jordan Mason: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)
