This Sunday afternoon, America’s Favorite 4-and-5 NFL Team (if you don’t count the Raiders and the Ravens) hosts the 7-1 San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. For the 49ers, the game is a chance for the team to maintain its stranglehold on the NFC West division while keeping pace for the No. 1 seed in the conference.
For the Cowboys, Sunday’s game on FOX represents a last-gasp opportunity to make up ground in the pitiful NFC East. The Giants left an opening on Thursday Night Football by losing to the Washington Commanders, so Dallas can improve to .500 and move within a game and a half of first place if it pulls off a stunning upset at home against the 49ers.
The Dallas Cowboys haven’t beaten the San Francisco 49ers in roughly six years. I don’t expect the 49ers’ winning streak over Dallas to be broken this Sunday afternoon. Play will almost certainly be indoors due to the cold, rainy weather that’s forecast for the area.
With $1.3 million already riding on the outcome of this game on top prediction market apps like Kalshi, I like the 66¢ contracts on San Francisco to prevail. The 4.5-point spread looks good, too, especially for traders who think the 49ers are going to put up more than 30 points on the hapless Cowboys’ defense.
This should be a “track meet” sort of game considering its closed-roof venue and the potent offensive attacks that each team brings to the matchup. Look for the 49ers to cover and win by a final score of 38-28, more than enough to beat the 55.5 totals market.
San Francisco controls its own destiny for a first-round postseason bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The only excuse the 49ers might have this Sunday afternoon is that they’re already looking forward to next week’s game against the 6-2 Minnesota Vikings.
The Cowboys are banged up on offense, with wide receiver George Pickens receiving limited practice time this week. Running back Tyler Goodson and tight end Jake Ferguson are confirmed to be on the sidelines for the entirety of Sunday’s game. The news doesn’t get any better for the Cowboys on defense, as they’ll likewise be playing the low end of their depth chart due to injuries.
San Francisco has its own injury issues on defense. This is why I think Dak Prescott will find a way to put up 28 points (while the Cowboys still manage to lose by two possessions).
If anything, pro football prediction markets are likely to send the 49ers’ contracts higher between now and Sunday afternoon. There’s no reason why San Francisco should have much trouble taking care of business in Arlington this weekend.
The point spread could also come under some pressure. Look for the spread to increase from 4.5 points to 5.5 points between now and kickoff time on Sunday afternoon.
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