While the San Francisco 49ers made a fairly mild move, the Dallas Cowboys didn't move the needle at the trade deadline. But these teams meet in Week 10 of the NFL season, and here are bold predictions for the contest.
Entering with a record of 7-1, the 49ers sit as the No. 1 in the NFC. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are trying to fight their way back into contention in the NFC East. They have a record of 4-5.
The 49ers are road favorites, but only by 3.5 points.
49ers QB Brock Purdy will throw for 250 yards and two TD passes
It’s a matter of scheme that Purdy will have success, according to ESPN.
“Kyle Shanahan will have answers for both the run and pass game Sunday in Dallas,” Matt Bowen wrote. “Schemed throws for Brock Purdy that create open coverage voids off play-action, plus a multiple run game with Christian McCaffrey and Kaelon Black to attack a Cowboys defense, allowing 5.0 YPC (third most). I like the 49ers to cover on the road.”
Purdy has thrown for 1,980 yards this season with 17 touchdowns and five interceptions. He has been impressive and has the eye of head coach Kyle Shanahan, according to a post on X by 95.7 TheGame via Heavy.com.
“Yeah, it’s been amazing,” Shanahan said. “Just since the first game he got in there. That’s why I struggle at the beginning of the year when everyone’s asking me, can I believe how good he’s playing and how much better he’s improved because he was so good off the bench versus Miami in his first game and the second week… taking us to the NFC Championship as a rookie.
“And I think his second year took us to the Super Bowl maybe. So Brock’s been the man since he’s come in, and it’s pretty unbelievable deal considering where he was drafted, how he started… very fortunate to have Brock.”
The Cowboys will have their hands full.
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb will get 8-plus catches and 90-plus yards
The Cowboys are going to get the ball to Lamb. It’s their best path to having a shot at beating the 49ers. Lamb left the win over the Colts with a sigh of relief, according to dallascowboys.com.
“Those are the games that you love to end up on top,” Lamb said. “We understand it was the same situation that we were kind of in last week, and we didn't end up on top then, so just finishing out the game, finishing out the drive — shout out to the defense for ending the game.
“But I think I had, like, three penalties alone in the second half, and a fumble. Personally, I gotta take a real good look. The numbers look crazy, but it could have been more. And I'm always thinking about what could have been. So, as for me, as a leader on this offense,I feel like I've got to be better in some realms and just end the game.”
The 49ers are off to a great start. But before the season, the Cowboys were in the same conversation with them. Lamb said the Cowboys need to get the job done.
“We know what we got going on, just the history of that [matchup], the guys that they have over there on defense and the prep, I mean, it's going to take a lot of a lot of preparation, and a lot of execution,” Lamb said. “We can't have as many flags because they have a really good offense, too.”
Prescott will lean heavily on Lamb if George Pickens misses another game. But even if Pickens plays, Prescott won’t forget who he needs to target, early and often.
49ers RB Christian McCaffrey will get in the end zone twice
Look for McCaffrey to score on the ground and with a reception. The 49ers are going to get him the ball near the goal line.
One thing that helps McCaffrey’s overall usage is that Shanahan is more confident that he is ready to rock after a pre-bye injury slowed him somewhat, according to ninerswire.com.
“No. I actually forgot about it,” Shanahan said. “He had a good bye week, and he told me before the bye week in Christian style not to worry about it at all. He’ll be fine, and he looked good all week.”
McCaffrey hasn’t had a blowout game all season. His rushing high is 75 yards, and his receiving high is 61. But he has 10 total touchdowns, with nine of them coming off the ground. And consistency has been a hallmark. McCaffrey has scored in seven straight games. In three of those contests, he scored twice.
The 49ers will need to be sharp offensively. Despite the way their defense has played, they will have trouble slowing down the Cowboys' high-octane offense. McCaffrey will likely need those scores to keep his team in good business.