Cowboys (3-1) at 49ers (4-0)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. EDT, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California TV: NBC
Spread (BetMGM):
49ers by 3.5
Cowboys’ keys to victory: The Dallas pass rush with DE DeMarcus Lawrence and LB Micah Parsons can blow up San Francisco’s offense. LB Leighton Vander Esch can also play a key role if he can effectively patrol the middle of the field in coverage to take away some of the easy throws the 49ers offense thrives on. Offensively, it’s up to QB Dak Prescott to take care of the football. RB Tony Pollard can help, especially on early downs, by getting the offense into favorable second- or third-down situations. Keeping San Francisco off balance and not letting it play fast are paramount to beating its good defense.
49ers’ keys to victory: It starts with keeping QB Brock Purdy free from too much pressure. That will allow him to distribute to WRs Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk in the intermediate areas, where he’s at his best. RB Christian McCaffrey will need to have an effective outing, but it starts with Purdy. Defensively, DT Javon Hargrave and DE Nick Bosa have to be at their best to try to force Prescott into a couple of turnovers. SS Talanoa Hufanga is also paramount to limiting big plays in the passing game. Dallas is prone to mistakes if it has to drag out long drives.
Matchup to watch: Cowboys’ Micah Parsons vs. 49ers RT Colton McKivitz. Parsons wreaked havoc against San Francisco in the playoffs last year. McKivitz will need to have his best game to stop him.
Who wins? Dallas’ pass rush should expose San Francisco’s suspect offensive line.
Cowboys 23-17
Kyle Madson, Niners Wire