The final matchup of the National League Football Divisional Round features the San Francisco 49ers (13-4, 8-1 home) hosting the Dallas Cowboys (12-5, 4-4 away). This will be the first time these two NFC opponents face off against each other this season.
Sunday’s contest kicks off at 6:30 p.m. EST inside Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. San Francisco is a four-point favorite, and the over/under total is 46.5 points.
What to Know – Dallas Cowboys
Dallas heads to the West Coast after thumping Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week in the Wild Card Round, 31-14. The Cowboys finished the regular season second in the NFC East behind the top-seed Philadelphia Eagles.
The Cowboys came into the playoffs as one of the top-scoring teams in the NFL, averaging 27.5 points per game behind 389.1 yards of total offense. On defense, Dallas limited opponents to 20.1 points and 330.2 yards of total offense per game.
Quarterback Dak Prescott stepped up last week, connecting on 25-of-33 passes for 305 yards and four touchdowns and adding one rushing score. Tight end Dalton Schultz was his primary target, catching seven passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns. Tony Pollard led the Cowboys in rushing, carrying the ball 15 times for 77 yards.
The Cowboys are 11-7 against the spread this year and 5-4 ATS on the road. Dallas is 0-3-1 ATS in its last four games following a victory.
What to Know – San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco has appeared unstoppable since trading for Christian McCaffrey and the emergence of Brock Purdy under center. The Niners comfortably won the NFC West to earn the no. 2 seed in the NFC.
San Francisco was sixth in the league, scoring 26.5 ppg thanks to an offense that averaged 365.6 yards of total offense. The Niners defense sat atop the NFL, surrendering 16.3 ppg and holding opposing teams to 300.6 yards of offense.
Purdy led the Niners to a lopsided 41-23 victory last week over the Seattle Seahawks. The rookie quarterback threw three touchdown passes and added one with his legs in the route. Christian McCaffrey combined for 136 yards of total offense, while Deebo Samuel added six receptions for 133 yards and one TD.
The Niners are 12-6 ATS this season with an 8-2 record ATS at home. San Francisco is 6-0 ATS over its previous six contests at home.
The Pick is In
Both teams come into this matchup feeling good after their performances last week. Prescott put together one of the best games of his career while the Niners continue to work magic with their third-string quarterback under center.
Sunday night’s contest comes down to which defense will bend but not break against two high-powered offenses. While the Cowboys defense is strong, the Niners defense is stronger. San Francisco wins at home, but Dallas covers late on a back-door touchdown.
The Pick: Dallas Cowboys +4
