NFC Wild Card
(6) San Francisco 49ers at (3) Dallas Cowboys
49ers: A few weeks back in December, I was taking phone calls. One question I received was who could be a tough out. The first answer was the Indianapolis Colts. That answer aged horribly. I also gave him an additional team and said if there was someone to watch in the NFC, it was that group that plays in the bay. For the first time since the 2019 season, the San Francisco 49ers are back in the playoffs. I’ll be honest and say I didn’t think this was possible considering the slump they were in at one point during the season. After a 2-0 start, they dropped four games in a row. However, they were able to drag themselves out of a slump and became one of the hottest teams in the league. When they are running the ball consistently, they’re tough to defeat because they will run the ball until you stop it. How about Deebo Samuel? He continues to show why he’s one of the most versatile players in the league. The defense has also improved throughout the year. It helps to have a healthy Nick Bosa. He’s the Aaron Donald of this defense meaning they build around him and he commands the most attention. The front seven has been creating havoc which has taken the pressure off a struggling secondary. On Sunday, they will make a trip to Texas.
Cowboys: Them winning the NFC East shouldn’t be a surprise to you. Let’s look at that division. The New York Giants are the worst of the four, the Eagles are the second-best by default and the Washington Football Team took a step back after taking the division in 2020. I liked their approach last weekend in Philadelphia. Let the offense continue to find its rhythm. I saw a confident Dak Prescott. He had all kinds of time in the pocket, he was connecting with all of his receivers and spreading the ball around. I’ve been saying this all year as have some other analysts as well. This offense will succeed with balance! No other way around it. I don’t like when Dak has to drop back and throw the football more than 30 times. He’s not the type of quarterback to take matters into his own hands. Look back to when the Cowboys won six in a row. The balance was consistent. I like what I’ve seen from the other side of the ball at times. Micah Parsons is the best thing to happen to them in a while. He checks everything on the list. Stops the run, rushes the passer, covers from sideline to sideline and he can even pick up wide receivers! They’re back home Sunday with a familiar opponent in town.
49ers X-Factor: Deebo Samuel– While George Kittle might be the most important piece of the puzzle, Deebo is their prized possession because he impacts the game in so many ways. As I said on the radio the other night, he consistently attacks the line of scrimmage. You look up, he’s got about 90 yards receiving and 75 yards rushing. Talk about being a “stat sheet stuffer” of some sort.
Cowboys X-Factor: CeeDee Lamb– I loved everything about his game when he was in college and it’s transferring over into the NFL. CeeDee wants the ball and has the confidence within himself to feel as if he can make a play each time he touches the ball. His ability in space to get those extra yards is what sets him apart from the other receivers on the team. I remember earlier in the year, they were even using him out the backfield.
Final Analysis: This has nostalgia written all over it! Two legendary teams are featured in this one. Also, some iconic names have played in this rivalry. Let’s look at the current version of this matchup. The 49ers won’t be an easy out. My respect for Jimmy G went up. He plays in a crucial game last week against the Rams with a hurt thumb and delivered a gritty performance. The Niners can’t get away from their identity. They can move the ball down the field in so many ways. That balance and directing plays away from Parsons and Lawrence will be key. Dallas as most teams have done with the 49ers this year must continue to exploit that weakness which is their secondary. It’s also key for them to make Jimmy move around. He’s not a mobile guy. Give him one of those “remember me” hits.
Prediction: 49ers 26, Cowboys 23
