Dallas Cowboys vs San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers (14-4 SU, 12-6 ATS) aim to claim a berth in the NFC championship game for the second straight year when they host the Dallas Cowboys (13-5, 11-7) on Sunday in NFL divisional round action.

The 49ers extended the league’s longest active win streak to 11 with a decisive 41-23 win over Seattle on Wild Card Weekend. They have also topped the Cowboys in their past two playoff meetings, including a 23-17 win in Dallas last season.

The Cowboys snapped an 0-7 run in road playoff games with Monday night’s 31-14 victory at Tampa Bay, but they have not recorded consecutive wins during a 3-4 run on the road. 

Latest Betting Notes: Cowboys

Concerns about Dak Prescott’s struggles down the stretch were put to rest on Monday night as the Cowboys pivot led the way with four touchdown passes and a scoring run. While Prescott tossed for 15 TDs over his final seven regular-season appearances, he also threw 11 picks and particularly struggled in the team’s 26-6 loss to Washington in Week 18.

However, he clearly regained his form on Monday night while connecting with tight end Dalton Schultz on two scoring passes for the second time in three games. With their playoff losing streak snapped, the Cowboys can now focus on extending their win streak in San Francisco, where they have won four straight overall but have failed to claim an outright win as an underdog since 1996.

Latest Betting Notes: 49ers

The 49ers have emerged as a dominant defensive force during their 11-0 run. The Niners have limited opponents to 20 points or less on nine occasions over that stretch, and with eight of their 11 recent wins coming by double-digit margins, they have also gone 9-2 ATS during their tear.

Averaging 31.5 points per game during the streak, the 49ers have been particularly dominant after halftime, averaging 23.8 points over their past four outings. Rookie Brock Purdy has looked increasingly comfortable since his unexpected promotion to starting quarterback. Purdy tossed for a season-high 332 yards and three TDs in last weekend’s win, to go along with one scoring run.

However, he must now contend with a resurgent Cowboys defense that held Tom Brady and the Bucs scoreless in the first half on Monday and has surrendered just two scoring passes over the past two weeks.

The Keys to Victory: Cowboys

With Dak Prescott on his game, this Cowboys offense is capable of running up big point totals. However, Prescott will need his offensive line to provide him with time and space, reducing the constant pressure that contributed to his late-season woes.

If these teams’ respective defenses perform at the high level that they each demonstrated at times this season, this has all the makings of a hard-fought and relatively low-scoring affair. And with every point counting, the Cowboys have a decision to make about Brett Maher after the veteran kicker missed four extra points in Monday night’s game, with devastating consequences for sports bettors taking the OVER in that contest. 

The Keys to Victory: 49ers

The 49ers have not only improved with each passing win during their streak, but they have also shown steady improvement as individual games progress. That was certainly the case in last week’s win over Seattle, in which they were tied 17-17 at the half.

While the second-half outbursts are entertaining, the Niners have work to do on defense early on after surrendering 15.7 first-half points per game over their past three outings. San Francisco let the Seahawks off the hook last weekend after seizing an early 10-0 lead, a letdown they cannot afford to repeat against Dallas.

On offense, Brock Purdy has enjoyed a spectacular debut but remains prone to rookie mistakes and questionable decision-making. However, he has developed chemistry with Deebo Samuel, who racked up a season-high 133 yards and one scoring catch last weekend.