SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers entered the season as top contenders in the NFC following three straight double-digit win seasons and playoff appearances for both franchises. The 2024 campaign hasn't exactly gone to plan for both teams so far with injuries and spotty play leaving both with major questions headed into their game on Sunday.
Dallas (3-3) had the week off last week to deal with the sting from a 47-9 loss to Detroit that was the most lopsided at home for the Cowboys since 1988. San Francisco (3-4) lost a hyped Super Bowl rematch against Kansas City and is stumbling toward its bye week after hosting Dallas. “We’re in similar spots — two teams that need to right the ship and get on a better trajectory,” Niners defensive end Nick Bosa said.
“For them, they’re coming off the bye; we’re heading into it after this. They want to get going and start the second half of their season the right way, and we want to go into the bye feeling good about where we’re at.” The Cowboys had plenty of time to stew over the blowout loss to the Lions but the real focus during that time off for coach Mike McCarthy's staff was fixing the problems that led to a pair of blowout losses to New Orleans and Detroit and mostly spotty performances all season.
Dallas has been outrushed by 66 yards per game — the worst mark in the league and fifth worst in franchise history through six games — Dak Prescott and the passing game have been in.