Our Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers prediction takes a look at the Divisional Round matchup that features a rematch of last year’s Wild Card game. Let’s dive into the current NFL betting odds, key storylines to watch, and make a prediction for the game. Note that all odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook as of Tuesday, Jan. 17.
Cowboys vs. 49ers Odds | Divisional Round
- Spread
49ers -3.5 - Moneyline
49ers -190, Cowboys +160 - Over/Under
46 points
Cowboys vs. 49ers Prediction
The Cowboys rebounded incredibly well from a poor performance in Week 18 against the Washington Commanders to stomp Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 31-14. Dak Prescott was sharp, and the final score doesn’t reflect how out of hand this game actually was throughout the contest.
All eyes were on Dallas going into that game to see how they would respond to all of the criticism going into the playoffs, and they silenced the critics for the time being with a solid performance. Their reward, however, is to go up against the vaunted 49ers’ defense and a team that has now won 11 straight games.
This Cowboys team will be hoping for a different result than the last time these two squads faced off. In the Wild Card round last season, Dallas fell 23-17 in dramatic fashion with a failure to get up and clock the ball towards the end of the game, ending their season.
The key for the Cowboys to win this time around is to remain sharp on offense and keep up with the playmakers that San Francisco offers on the other side of the ball. This 49ers defense has been historically good this season, but if Dallas can perform the way they did in the Wild Card round, we could see a closely contested game throughout.
MORE: Giants vs. Eagles Prediction, Odds, and Picks for Divisional Round
As for the 49ers, it’s remarkable how they continue to steamroll their opponents. Since Nov. 27, they’ve only had one instance in which they scored less than 33 points in a single game.
Brock Purdy has been the center of all discussions regarding the 49ers — and deservedly so based on his play — but the playmakers on offense need to be recognized for what they’ve done. Dallas is going to have their hands full trying to slow down Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, and Deebo Samuel.
The addition of McCaffrey during the season may go down in history as one of the best trades ever made if San Francisco continues to win the way that they have. He’s taken an immense amount of pressure off of the QBs that have been in the lineup, and the Cowboys will have difficulty eliminating him from affecting the outcome of the game.
The key for the 49ers winning this matchup will rest on the defense though and forcing turnovers. Prescott’s run hot and cold this season, but when he’s on his game, he’s difficult to defend. If San Francisco can create pressure in his face with their stout defensive front, a turnover or two just may very well be the difference-maker in this game between two powerful teams.
Cowboys vs. 49ers Score Prediction
49ers 24, Cowboys 20