This week’s matchup between the 4-5 Dallas Cowboys and the 7-1 San Francisco 49ers is an important one for the Cowboys playoff hopes. The Cowboys are clearly the underdog after struggling to find any kind of consistency as a team this season, making the 49ers the clear favorite to walk away the victors. For Dallas to pull off the upset they’ll need to be at their best and win certain matchups, which we’ve listed below.
Cowboys defense vs. RB Christian McCaffrey
If Christian McCaffrey has lost a step at this point in his career it’s a slight
one. He’s still one of the better dual-threat running backs in the entire league and is more than capable of impacting the outcome of this Week 10 matchup with the Cowboys on his own.
Dallas will need to neutralize his effectiveness as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield if they want any chance of securing a victory. That’s a lot to ask from a defense that’s allowing 372.7 yards per game (30th) and 147.4 rushing yards per game (31st) in the league.
DB Caleb Downs vs. TE George Kittle
Last week’s performance against the Colts was Caleb Downs’ best one thus far in his young career. He was a true difference maker and hopefully that carries over to this week’s matchup against the 49ers.
While he may not be solely responsible for limiting TE George Kittle’s production, he could play a large part in neutralizing the impact he has in the game. Kittle is one of San Francisco’s best playmakers and one of their most consistent. A rookie versus a savvy veteran usually favors the latter, but Downs possesses the talent to make it an interesting matchup.
DT Quinnen Williams vs. 49ers’ interior OL
Quinnen Williams has been a one-man wrecking crew here lately, but may have a tougher time enforcing his will against a very good 49ers offensive line. Pro Football Focus (PFF) currently has them ranked as their top OL, which is a big reason why San Francisco’s offense is one of the better units in the entire league, despite their rash of injuries thus far this season.
If Williams continues to dominate, he could disrupt their offense as both a run defender and pass rusher. That could go a long ways in keeping this game close and giving Dallas a chance of victory.
What’s the biggest matchup for you in this game? And can the Cowboys win that matchup?
