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San Francisco 49ers vs. Dallas Cowboys picks, predictions: Who wins NFL playoff game?

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic
·4 min read
46

The San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys play Sunday in an NFL wild-card playoff game.

Which team will get the victory?

Check out these NFL playoff picks and predictions for the game, which can be seen at 2:40 p.m. MST on CBS/Nickelodeon.

The Cowboys are a 3.5-point favorite in the game.

NFL playoff picks:

Pro Football Network: 49ers 27, Cowboys 23

Ben Rolfe writes: "In a matchup that will send a lot of 49ers and Cowboys fans down memory lane to the 1980s, this is a fascinating battle. The 49ers channel their offense through the ground game — the Cowboys have been susceptible to that type of attack. Dallas has allowed a 23rd-worst 4.5 yards per rush attempt and 100 or more rushing yards in 11 of their last 12 games. Meanwhile, the 49ers have been solid on defense in recent weeks. They have not allowed over 300 total yards since Week 14 and have held their last five opponents under 25 points. If they can hold the Cowboys to 24 or less, they have a real shot to win. The Cowboys’ offense looked great in Week 18, but don’t be fooled — they have not fixed their issues. The 49ers have a great shot to make the Divisional Round in this matchup."

Fox Sports: Cowboys will edge 49ers

Geoff Schwartz writes: "Give me the Cowboys in a close game in Dallas. I don’t buy that the 49ers are the team no one wants to see right now. They barely made the playoffs, and the Cowboys are better. Give me the home team."

NFL playoff odds:

College Football News: Cowboys 23, 49ers 20

Pete Fiutak writes: "Can Dallas stay hot? The offense leads the NFL in yards and points, it was breathtaking against both Philadelphia and Washington over the last three weeks – hanging 56 and 51, respectively – and now the pressure is on against a San Francisco team that has a way of never losing its head. The 49ers make this very, very tough with a as quiet a downfield passing game as any in the league – Deebo Samuel makes a lot of noise, though – to go along with a defense that has a way of holding up when absolutely needed. It held up well against the high-powered Bengal, Ram, and Viking offenses over the second part of the season, but the Cowboys will barely survive with their own D making up for a shaky day from the O."

Will Amari Cooper and the Dallas Cowboys beat the San Francisco 49ers in their NFL playoff game Sunday?
Will Amari Cooper and the Dallas Cowboys beat the San Francisco 49ers in their NFL playoff game Sunday?

Bleacher Report: 49ers 23, Cowboys 20

Maurice Moton writes: "Unlike San Francisco's defense, which doesn't have a noticeable soft spot, Dallas ranks 21st in passing yards allowed and 16th against the run. The 49ers can dominate time of possession if they avoid turnovers—something that's feasible with the seventh-ranked ground attack. The 49ers will keep quarterback Dak Prescott on the sideline while running back Elijah Mitchell and wideout Deebo Samuel gain chunks of yardage in the run game."

Fansided: 49ers 35, Cowboys 21

Gil Alcaraz IV writes: "I’m just not sure the Dallas defense has what it takes to slow the 49ers down. Between Samuel, George Kittle, Elijah Mitchell, and Jauan Jennings, San Francisco seems able to move the ball with ease. The Cowboys’ defense is exceptional, but it’s going to have its hands full in this one. I’m predicting Prescott has one of his down games as the Cowboys have a hard time producing points against the 49ers feisty defense. A big game from Samuel allows San Francisco to score at will, and the lower seed comes away with a not-so-surprising upset."

NFL playoff TV information:

Five Thirty Eight: Cowboys have a 69% win probability.

The site gives the 49ers a 31% win probability in the NFL playoff game.

ESPN: Cowboys have a 63.9% chance to win

The site's Football Power Index gives the 49ers a 36.1% chance to win in the NFL playoff game.

More: NFL playoff power rankings: Are Arizona Cardinals a serious Super Bowl threat?

Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: San Francisco 49ers vs. Dallas Cowboys picks, predictions NFL playoffs