Dallas vs. San Francisco (SF -4.5, 47.5)
NFL ODDS, NFL PREDICTIONS, NFL PREVIEWS
Dallas vs. San Francisco - Monday, October 28
The Dallas Cowboys enter Week 8 at 3-3, returning from a much-needed bye week after a humiliating 47-9 defeat against the Detroit Lions in Week 6. They look to get back on track against the 49ers, who are coming off a loss in their Super Bowl rematch with the Kansas City Chiefs. Both teams sit third in their respective divisions, hungry for a win to stay in the playoff hunt.
The Cowboys' devastating defeat at home featured quarterback Dak Prescott throwing two interceptions and the team committing five turnovers overall. The loss was particularly alarming as it represented the worst home defeat for Dallas since 1988. Detroit dominated from the start, leading 27-6 at halftime and showcasing a powerful offense led by Jared Goff, who threw for 315 yards and three touchdowns. The Cowboys' defense, missing key players like Micah Parsons, failed to contain the Lions, who scored at will and capitalized on every opportunity.
Coming off the bye, Prescott has acknowledged that the team needs to regroup and quickly address their issues if they hope to turn their season around. The Cowboys are the worst rushing team in the NFL, sitting dead last in rushing yards per game (77.2) and yards per rush (3.5). Luckily, the Dak Prescott-led passing game has been manageable, with almost 260 passing yards per game, the second-highest in the NFL. Given the 49ers just gave up 184 yards on the ground to the Chiefs, Dallas should aim to get the run going and finally give Dak some support.
San Fran are not looking as sturdy as they normally do on defense, landing bang in the middle of the league from a points and yards-conceded basis. There will be an opportunity for Dallas to pick up points, but it may make no difference if Mike Zimmer's defensive unit continues to perform as they have been.
Dallas have been giving up the 27th most rushing yards per game with 143.2, which is one reason why they have failed to maintain any control in their recent games. With 49ers running back Jordan Mason averaging 5.2 yards per carry on the year, it's safe to assume the 49ers will ride him early and often. Brock Purdy, after a tough outing against KC, is in a great spot for a bounce back, going up against a soft Dallas defense that is also in the bottom half of the league when it comes to passing yards conceded.
The absence of star receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who was carted off with a potential ACL injury, is not going to help, but the team will hopefully get Deebo Samuel back, who just endured a stint in the hospital with pneumonia. This will also be a good test for rookies Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing, who now have to step up in Aiyuk's absence.
Neither team here is firing on all cylinders, and both are coming off embarrassing losses, but the Cowboys feel more vulnerable at the moment. I expect the 49ers to bounce back here.
J.A. Cavalier NFL Triple Crown 6-0 NFL Guarantee. 3 straight, 3 parlays. One Week NFL $99 must go 6-0 or entire NFL season free. Straight through Super Bowl.
Get free NFL Picks and NFL Predictions for the top games on the weekly 2024 NFL schedule from JA Cavalier, one of the industry's premier expert NFL handicappers. J.A. Cavalier has been bringing the NFL betting community the best NFL free picks and predictions for nearly three decades. Visit daily for the best NFL moneyline and run line odds and game totals.
J.A. Cavalier Free PICK
Cowboys +4.5