3 things the Cowboys must do to secure a win against the 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers have dominated the recent "rivalry" with the Dallas Cowboys, winning the last three games, two of which were lopsided victories.

In Week 8 of the 2024 season, the Cowboys might face the weakest version of the 49ers during the Dak Prescott era. The 49ers are still strong in all aspects of the game, and their coaching remains outstanding year after year. However, the reality is that the 49ers have been heavily impacted by injuries this season.

Running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and possibly Deebo Samuel will all be on the sideline during Sunday night's game.

On defense, it looks just as challenging, as Javon Hargrave, Dre Greenlaw, and Talanoa Hufanga, among others, are still on injured reserve (IR). These absences in the 49ers lineup still might not be enough for the Cowboys to secure a win. Dallas still needs a few things to fall into place for them to win this revenge game.

3 things the Cowboys must do to beat the 49ers

1. Score in bunches

To win their fourth game in a row against the Cowboys, the 49ers will have to rely solely on the play-extending ability of George Kittle, Jordan Mason, and Brock Purdy, due to the lack of star power on their offense.

However, this may be easier said than done as the 3-4 49ers have been struggling with a lack of explosiveness. The Cowboys will need to take an early lead and maintain their momentum for the full 60 minutes to secure a victory.

The 49ers are a well-run football team, but seven weeks without their all-world running back have been difficult. This could play into the hands of the Dallas defense, which has struggled against fast-paced offenses.

The Cowboys have been struggling on offense themselves, often looking out of sync. The lack of a running game hurts, making the offense one-dimensional and putting more pressure on Prescott. The main issue has been the lack of connection between Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. With a poor rushing attack forcing the passing game to carry the team, the offense has been struggling without a dominant passing game.

The Cowboys' offense will need to rely on Jake Ferguson more than anyone else this Sunday. He can exploit the weaknesses in the 49ers' defense, especially with crossing routes. This game could be the most crucial of the season for the Cowboys and could determine their success altogether.

2. Take advantage in the red zone

So far this season, the Cowboys, including Prescott, have performed poorly in the red zone. Too many times, they have shot themselves in the foot by failing to score in the red zone or, even worse, turning the ball over close to the end zone.

After finishing in the top five among QBs in the red zone in four of the last five seasons, Prescott ranked near the bottom in red zone efficiency in 2024. Sunday's matchup could be a step in the right direction, thanks to the 49ers' unusual play in that part of the field this season.

In the shorter field, the 49ers rank among the bottom five teams, which could benefit the Cowboys. Dallas has faced four top-15 red-zone defenses in their six games so far, so Sunday's game could be a good chance of pace.

3. Win the turnover battle

The Cowboys are no longer the dominant team they once were, plain and simple They are now in a position where getting those timely turnovers are needed to win games. That has not happened thus far this season.

The defense could receive a boost in this area depending on the status of Micah Parsons and DaRon Bland. Parsons (ankle) has missed the last two games, while Bland (foot fracture) is hoping to make his season debut after being placed on the IR during training camp.

After not practicing on Wednesday, the two are listed as game-time decisions. Friday's practice will be the determining factor in whether either will play.

On offense, the Cowboys have been turning the ball over too often. However, the 49ers' passing defense isn't as strong as it has been in recent years, which gives Prescott some room to breathe. Metrics show that the once-dominant Charvarious Ward is having a tough 2024 season, allowing an eye-popping 101.2 QB rating and 8.7 yards per target. This gives Prescott and Lamb a chance to work together effectively and reduce Prescott's mistakes, potentially preventing the 49ers from taking over.

Ultimately, if the Cowboys were ever to beat the 49ers, it would have to be this Sunday. Dalas could not ask for a better timed matchup. If they can improve to 4-3 on the season heading into a daunting five-game stretch, it would inject new life into the season.

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