3 player matchups to watch for in Cowboys vs 49ers

1. Trevon Diggs vs. Deebo Samuel

49er star wide receiver Deebo Samuel is the most dangerous weapon on the Niners’ offense. He is not only their leading receiver with 77 catches for 1,405 yards, but he is also their second-leading rusher with 365 yards rushing on the year. Samuel averages 6.2 yards per carry, as well.

What makes Samuel unique is his yards after catch ability. His 777 yards after the catch this season rank second in the NFL. Deebo averages 18.2 yards per reception this season which was first in the NFL. A lot of that production came from yards after the catch.

Cowboys pro-bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs will have his hands full on Sunday with Samuel. Diggs is more than capable of matching up with Samuel in coverage, but he must be ready to tackle on Sunday.

Being physical with Samuel and not allowing him to run wild after catching a pass is a major key to success for the defense. Diggs has had an awesome season despite what people say about his yardage allowed.

It is not easy to record 11 interceptions in the NFL and Diggs was able to do that. He is elite at taking the ball away and that has been the Cowboys’ motto on defense this year. Facing an interception-prone QB in Jimmy Garoppolo will allow the Cowboys to have the opportunity to get takeaways.

Garoppolo has thrown 12 interceptions in 15 games this year and two interceptions in each of the last two games. He will make mistakes, and the Cowboys must be ready to capitalize when he does.

Slowing down Samuel and forcing Garoppolo to make mistakes will be the reason the Cowboys win this game. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn needs to have his best game-plan of the year this week to slow down a unique offense.

Dallas Cowboys vs San Francisco 49ers preview for Super Wild Card Weekend

The 12-5 Cowboys are headed to the postseason. Dallas will take on the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Here is what you need to know before the game.