The Week 10 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers is an opportunity for the Dallas Cowboys to prove they are a better team than the way they have played through the first half of the 2026 NFL season. With the way things have played out thus far, and due to the fact the NFC East division is completely wide-open, Dallas can once again really get into the playoff chase.
It seems far-fetched to believe the Cowboys can still turn things around so much, but that’s exactly what’s at stake in Week 10. If they
can upset the San Francisco 49ers, arguably one of the best teams in the league this year, they could potentially rewrite their season. To do so though the need to make some impact, game-changing plays.
Offense – WR Ryan Flournoy
Ryan Flournoy may not have led the Cowboys in receiving yards last week against the Indianapolis Colts, but he did make arguably the most impactful play of the game. With 97 seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter, QB Dak Prescott heaved the ball downfield hooking up with No. 19, who made a one-handed grab with All-Pro CB Sauce Gardener draped all over him. That reception was pivotal in Dallas regaining the lead.
Like last week, we fully expect No. 19 to make a big impact in the Week 10 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. With George Pickens limited all week with a hamstring injury, he’ll likely be a gametime decision. Even if he does end up playing he probably won’t be at 100%. That should give Flournoy ample opportunity to make plays, especially considering the 49ers will focus the majority of their attention on limiting CeeDee Lamb’s production.
Defense – DB Caleb Downs
Caleb Downs is looking to repeat the success he had last week against the Indianapolis Colts in this Week 10 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. Last week was arguably the best game of his young career. He not only recorded his second QB sack of the season, but also end up sealing the victory for the Cowboys with a game-clinching interception. There’s good reason to believe he can be just as impactful in back-to-back weeks.
The 49ers are one of the best offensive units the Cowboys defense has faced up to this point this season. Dallas hasn’t had to matchup with a group of talented playmakers thus far this season like they will Sunday afternoon against San Francisco. Due to his versatility to play all over the field, No. 13 should be in the mix of things throughout the ballgame. He’ll need to be just as impactful as last week, if not more so, to give Dallas a chance.
Who is your biggest impact player for this week?
