Many fans tuning in to today’s game in San Francisco are anticipating the Dallas Cowboys seeking revenge against the 49ers. The Cowboys have a score to settle after last year’s 42-10 defeat, a game that also saw linebacker Leighton Vander Esch’s career end on a contentious play by Trent Williams.
Vander Esch himself remarked, “I’ve Always Been Motivated.” Notably, Williams was ejected in last Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs for striking a player in the helmet.
Historically, the 49ers have been a thorn in Dallas’s side, having eliminated the Cowboys in two consecutive postseasons—a 19-12 victory in San Francisco in 2023 and a 23-17 win at AT&T Stadium.
While the desire to break a three-game losing streak to the 49ers is strong, the Cowboys have larger issues to tackle. With a 3-3 record, they sit in third place in the NFC East, trailing the first-place Commanders by 1.5 games, and they’re also currently one game out of playoff contention. Although there are still 11 games left, the Cowboys cannot afford to slip further.
Keys to Today’s Game
Dallas welcomes the return of some defensive players, which is timely. Meanwhile, the 49ers are facing injuries among their wide receivers, including a recent ACL tear for Brandon Aiyuk. However, George Kittle remains a target, and Jordan Mason will challenge Dallas’s struggling run defense.
Dallas comes off a bye, potentially rested, while the 49ers enter the game following a tough loss to the unbeaten Chiefs and will likely be playing with added intensity.
For Dallas to win and improve to a winning record while also shaking up San Francisco’s playoff hopes, they must stifle the run game and force Brock Purdy to rely on limited passing options. Containing Kittle, as Kansas City did, will be essential to pressuring Purdy.
Offensively, the Cowboys must prioritize ending drives in the end zone, avoiding long Brandon Aubrey field goals. The Chiefs succeeded in the red zone by running the ball, scoring four rushing touchdowns. Notably, Patrick Mahomes had a quiet game, completing 16 of 27 passes for 154 yards and two interceptions. Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott should heed this example and avoid forced passes into San Francisco’s secondary.
A low-scoring game would favor Dallas; a high-scoring shootout, on the other hand, could mark a critical setback for the Cowboys’ 2024 season.
All-Time Record Against the 49ers
The 49ers hold a 20-19-1 all-time lead over Dallas, having won the last three matchups, including two playoff games. At home, the 49ers are 11-10 against Dallas and haven’t lost at home to them since 2017, a 40-10 game where Dak Prescott threw for 234 yards and three touchdowns without an interception, and Ezekiel Elliott ran for 147 yards and two touchdowns.
The Cowboys last defeated the 49ers in 2020 at AT&T Stadium in a 41-33 game with Andy Dalton at quarterback. Going into today, Dallas can find encouragement in their history; they’re 1-0 against the 49ers in Week 8 games, having secured a 39-31 win in 1965.
Dallas also has a strong record following a bye week, standing at 24-11.
Week 8 Record All-Time
The Cowboys are 36-20 in Week 8 matchups, although they are only 12-10 on the road. They have won their last three Week 8 games, with their last defeat in Philadelphia in 2020.
Dallas’s Week 8 records against various opponents highlight some favorable matchups, with the team remaining undefeated against the Falcons, Saints, Panthers, and more.
