The Dallas Cowboys wild card round matchup versus the San Francisco 49ers features a ton of star power. The Cowboys are led by their quarterback, Dak Prescott, his receivers CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper, and tailback Ezekiel Elliott. On the other side, the 49ers bring Pro Bowl wide receiver Deebo Samuel, arguably the best all-around tight end in the game in George Kittle and a rising star at running back in Elijah Mitchell.
These teams are filled with history and great playoff matchups from years past. For the better half of the 1990's, it felt like the Cowboys and the 49ers decided who would be going to the Super Bowl and ultimately win it. Here we again with the two historic franchises squaring off.
For more insight on the Cowboys' Wild Card playoff matchup against the 49ers, listen below:
Here are my 4 bold predictions for the Dallas Cowboys ahead of their wild card game against the San Francisco 49ers.
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Cowboys Wild Card Predictions vs. San Francisco 49ers
4. Dak Prescott shows up in the playoffs, again
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has taken a lot of heat lately. He has played inconsistent ever since he returned from his calf injury in Week 9. The offense as a whole did not look right for chunks of the season. Despite that, Dallas led the NFL in yards per game, passing yards per game and scoring at over 31 points per game.
In Week 18, Prescott looked to get the offense back on track against the Philadelphia Eagles. Granted, the Eagles rested almost their entire defense. Nevertheless, Prescott completed 21 of 27 passes for 295 yards and five touchdowns. At the very least, the offense is in rhythm entering this weekend.
Whether or not you believe in Prescott's talent, you can't question his leadership. He is a great leader and motivator and inspires confidence. Clearly, his teammates agree.
Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence on QB Dak Prescott: "I believe Dak is going to own the moment. He's going to show y'all what he really is about and going to take this playoffs by storm."
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) January 13, 2022
Thus far in his career, Prescott has made three playoff starts. He has thrown five touchdowns, two interceptions and 794 yards. The secondary of San Francisco has been their weakness all year. I fully expect Prescott to expose them and have a big game.
3. Ezekiel Elliott struggles once again
Cowboys tailback Ezekiel Elliott is coming off his best game since early October. But even that was 87 yards rushing. He finished the regular season with 1,002 rushing yards. That is two straight seasons where he finished right around 1,000 yards. The wear and tear is finally appearing to slow down the All Pro running back.
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The emergence of backup running back Tony Pollard has also played a role in the scaled back production. But so has the offensive line. A lot of people like to think that the Cowboys boast one of the best lines in the league. That's not true any longer. I don't care where Pro Football Focus has them ranked. If you have watched this offensive line this season, you know I am right. They have struggled mightily to open holes for the running game.
I think that will continue Sunday. San Francisco has the 7th best rush defense in the league. They looked even better as the year progressed and they got healthier. I would be surprised if Elliott broke 80 yards rushing in this game.
2. Cowboys kicker Greg Zuerlein misses more kicks
Dallas place kicker Greg Zuerlein has had a tough season. He missed six field goals this season, as well as six extra points.
Cowboys ST coordinator John Fassel has faith kicker Greg Zuerlein's struggles won't cost Dallas in postseason: "I think it's just psychological"https://t.co/HWQUwWPcYr pic.twitter.com/sFXNFI56WX
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) January 11, 2022
Cowboys special teams coordinator spoke with the media expressing his lack of concern for Zuerlein costing the team. He said the issue is “just phychological.” But that is exactly why he will cost the team. Kickers' job's are so singularly focused. It's easy for it to get inside their heads. Once they are in their heads, the pressure mounts. I think it's likely he misses at least another kick again this weekend.
1. Dallas earns hard-fought comeback victory
A lot of people love San Francisco to pull off the upset Sunday. I can see why. Dallas has a good defense that makes plays on the ball. But it's hard to take the ball away when a team is running the ball down your throat. That is exactly what Kyle Shanahan is going to try to do with the 49ers offense.
Dallas was middle of the pack defensively against the run. But as the year progressed, they looked worse and worse. I do believe San Fran will establish a run game and will probably be efficient in the red zone.
But in the 2nd half, as Dallas will look to open the game up through the air, I believe Prescott will create a few very big plays in the passing game. CeeDee Lamb will go over 100 yards with at least one score, and the Cowboys will pull off a comeback win.
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