NEWSLETTER
This matchup is fascinating to me. On the one hand, we have the model of NFL consistency in the San Francisco 49ers. Whether it’s Jimmy Garoppolo or Brock Purdy, it doesn’t really seem to matter; the 49ers’ offense keeps on producing. But, on the other hand, defensively, good luck finding a more physical unit than San Francisco’s – ask the Seahawks.
On the other hand, good luck predicting which version of Dak and the Cowboys we’ll see. In some games we get to see the MVP-caliber version that lights up the Bucs and in other games, we get the guy that was one INT shy of the league lead.
If we get the good version of the Cowboys, this Divisional Round rematch could be an instant classic. So let’s just hope for that.
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Cowboys Path to Victory
This one seems pretty straightforward, honestly. But, two things will need to happen for the Cowboys to pull off the upset win.
First, as I mentioned above, we will need to see the excellent version of Dak. When Dak Prescott is on, he’s as good as anyone. We saw it at times this season and, most recently, last Monday night against the Bucs. Dak can make any throw and has a really talented cast of playmakers. I know it sounds simple, but it really is. If we get the excellent Dak, the Cowboys can absolutely win.
Second, they need to get after Brock Purdy as they did Tom Brady last week. Purdy has played lights out since taking over as the 49ers starter. He’s 6-0 since becoming the guy in San Francisco, but he really hasn’t faced a test as tough as Dallas’ pass rush. If Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence can make Purdy uncomfortable early and often, the Cowboys’ path opens up quite a bit. Here’s an example of how they did that to Tom Brady.
So, in short, get after Purdy, and the Cowboys are in business.
49ers Path to Victory
Run the ball, run the ball, and run the ball. No one runs the football quite like the San Francisco 49ers. They can beat you in so many different ways on the ground with so many different schemes, and the midseason addition of Christian McCaffrey makes it almost unfair. Let’s look at one example from last week’s dominant win over Seattle.
If the 49ers can run the football efficiently, so much pressure gets taken off Brock Purdy’s shoulders. And that’s part of the reason he’s been so good since taking over – San Francisco hasn’t needed him to be great.
Defensively, we also know what we’ll get from San Francisco. They allowed the second-least rush yards as a team this season and tied for the lowest opponent yards per carry. So if they win the battle in the trenches, they’ll likely win this game.
Prediction
Last year’s matchup in Dallas came down to the wire. Both teams this season feel like improved versions of the ones we saw last year. Like most playoff games, this one will come down to QB play and the battle in the trenches.
Final Score: 49ers 34, Cowboys 28
