3 toughest opponents the Cowboys will face in 2023

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Jan 16, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws a pass in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

2. San Francisco 49ers

For the second consecutive year, the Cowboys’ season ended at the hands of the 49ers in the playoffs. In 2021, Dallas lost 23-17 in the Wild Card round and followed that up with a 19-12 loss in the Divisional Round in 2022.

It might not be the playoffs when these two teams first face off in 2023, but the Cowboys will have this game circled on their calendar.

At this point, it’s too early to assume who the 49ers will be lining up under center at quarterback. It could be Brock Purdy (who Dallas saw in the playoffs) or it could be Trey Lance. Either way, the Cowboys’ defense should have a solid showing against a young quarterback.

Last year, Dallas’ defenses only gave one touchdown to San Francisco in the playoff game. It was the Cowboys’ offense that didn’t play up to standards.

In the past two playoff losses to the 49ers, Dak Prescott has only averaged 230 passing yards, while throwing more interceptions (3) than touchdowns (2). Prescott needs to bring his A-game against this defense if the Cowboys hope to exact revenge on their NFC rivals.

The addition of Cooks — someone who can stretch the field for Dallas — should help in games like this. The 49ers come in third on ESPN’s latest power rankings before the draft.

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