3 matchups that will decide Cowboys vs 49ers Divisional Round showdown

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 16: Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a sack against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at AT&T Stadium on January 16, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /

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ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 30: Tyler Smith #73 of the Dallas Cowboys runs out during introductions against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

2. Tyler Smith vs Nick Bosa

If this was last year, Tyron Smith would be lined up on the side opposite Bosa. Since returning from injury, Smith has played exclusively right tackle, even after Jason Peters left Monday’s win against Tampa with a hip injury.

That means rookie first-round pick Tyler Smith will lock horns with Bosa, the likely Defensive Player of the Year after he posted 18.5 sacks (most in the NFL), 19 tackles for loss, 48 quarterback hits, 90 pressures, and 41 hurries.

The Cowboys would be foolish to isolate Smith on Bosa one very passing down. Look for Dallas to send extra help in the form of a tight end and chip block from Dalton Schultz and Ezekiel Elliott, but the former Tulsa offensive lineman will have to hold his own in order for Dak Prescott to have enough time to pick apart the Niners’ secondary.

Bosa will get his — he’s too good not to — but if Smith wins the war Dallas will have a great chance of winning the game.

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