The San Francisco 49ers have made the past three NFC Championship Game spotlights over the course of the past three NFL seasons. Can they go the distance this year and dethrone Seattle?
San Francisco 49ers @ Dallas Cowboys
Sunday, September 7th – 4:25 PM ET
Odds: San Francisco -4.5
Why The 49ers Will Cover
They are much tougher at the line of scrimmage, so much so that it’s not much of a debate. There is really no question that the Niners have better, tougher linemen than the Cowboys, especially since Dallas defensive end DeMarcus Ware is now a member of the Denver Broncos. The Cowboys, on both their offensive and defensive lines, face the kinds of questions that the 49ers have not had to deal with over the years. The 49ers were floundering when coach Jim Harbaugh arrived, but ever since that coaching change, San Francisco has become and remained one of the most physical teams in the NFL. The 49ers play a punishing style, and they pride themselves on their ability to wear out opponents. This is a big reason for the organization’s three straight NFC title game berths. The fact that this team has played so much football over the years pales in value compared to the Niners’ experience and toughness. The 49ers don’t get rattled, and against a Dallas team that has finished 8-8 in each of the past three seasons, they should not feel that they’ll be in serious trouble at all. With Frank Gore at running back and Colin Kaepernick at quarterback, the 49ers know that they can make use of the running game without having to get too fancy. If Dallas cannot stop Gore and Kaepernick together, San Francisco is going to have a relatively easy time of it against the Cowboys. Dallas has to contain San Francisco’s offense to have a real chance in this game, but that’s probably not going to happen.
Why The Cowboys Will Cover
They are at home, they’re motivated, and they’re taking on the Niners at a time when they do have some roster concerns to address. San Francisco has seen Aldon Smith get suspended nine games this season. Ray McDonald is likely to be in huge trouble for an incident of alleged domestic violence. Linebacker NaVorro Bowman is going to be out for the first several weeks of this season with an injury suffered in last season’s NFC Championship Game loss to the Seattle Seahawks. With all of these gaps in the San Francisco roster, the Cowboys have to feel that they can get some favorable matchups at times, and if they exploit those matchups while merely avoiding getting burned in the positional battles that aren’t as favorable to them, they can win. One thing to point out is that San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick committed multiple second-half turnovers in the NFC title game in Seattle. He regressed last season, though part of that explanation lies with the injuries suffered by key receiver Michael Crabtree. Nevertheless, Kaepernick has to improve a lot more before anyone shows too much confidence in the 49ers’ offensive leader this season.
Outlook
Dallas needs everything to go just right in order to win this game. San Francisco can have several games go wrong but still end up with a victory. The 49ers are a much better team, and as long as Kaepernick doesn’t turn the ball over, they should win.
Pick: 49ers -4.5
