The San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys rivalry dates back to November 20, 1960. Both teams are searching for their identity early in the season and dealing with injuries, but the Cowboys have key players who could make an impact if the 49ers underestimate them.
QB Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott is among the league's top passing quarterbacks. The Cowboys rank 10th in passing yards (1,556) and 2nd in average passing yards per game (259.3). Prescott's strength lies in his ability to throw the ball accurately. Depending on his targets, the 49ers' secondary will be challenged if he's accurate. Additionally, his mobility poses a threat as the 49ers continue to struggle against mobile quarterbacks.
WR CeeDee Lamb
CeeDee Lamb ranks 9th among NFL wide receivers with 467 yards and two touchdowns this season. As the Cowboys' top offensive weapon, Lamb will be utilized all over the field to get his team going. The 49ers must cover Lamb at all costs, especially in the slot, where he has lined up on 127 snaps this season—20 more than as an outside receiver. Deommodore Lenoir must tackle effectively and prevent explosive plays from the slot position.
K Brandon Aubrey
Brandon Aubrey holds the highest kicker grade from Pro Football Focus (94.9). He's 17-19 (89.5%) on field goals this season, including 8-9 from 50-plus yards. His long-range accuracy makes him a real threat because the Cowboy's offense doesn't have to do much to get Aubrey into his range. If the 49ers' defense can limit the Cowboys to field goals, that would be amazing, but the 49ers' offense must produce in the red zone to counter Aubrey's scoring.
P Bryan Anger
Bryan Anger is adept at pinning opponents inside the 20 with accurate punts. Expect the Cowboys to try to flip the field position throughout the game. The 49ers must capitalize even if pinned inside their 20-yard line.
CB Trevon Diggs
Trevon Diggs is a sticky man-to-man corner who can struggle against top route runners. The 49ers lost their best route runner, Brandon Aiyuk, for the season (ACL and MCL injuries), and Jauan Jennings (hip) hasn't practiced all week. Diggs has one interception this season and likes to play aggressively by jumping routes. If Brock Purdy isn't careful throwing his way, Diggs could seize the opportunity and create turnovers for the Cowboys' offense.
Although this isn't the same Cowboys team as in past years, the 49ers must stay vigilant against these threats, or it could be a long day at the office for the San Francisco 49ers.