Two teams off poor showings last week will buckle up their pants and prepare for a better performance at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.
San Francisco has taken a little betting action against Dallas, but the 49ers defense is a concern.
ODDS
The San Francisco 49ers opened a 3-point favorite and are now up to -3.5 over the Dallas Cowboys. The total is holding steady at 40.5.
QUARTERBACK ROTATION
Dallas quarterback Tony Romo and his health have been the highlight of Cowboys camp. He dealt with his back and rehabbing the past two years, and now he’s been a full participant in the offseason program and has practiced virtually every day in the OTAs and the minicamp.
Still, he’s questionable to play versus San Francisco and at most one series. Brandon Weeden should get more snaps this week after completing 4/5 for 42 yards followed by big, strong third-year quarterback Dustin Vaughan, who move well against pressure and was 12/18 for 106 yards last week. Rookie Jameill Showers could mop up again.
The 49ers Colin Kaepernick will play a few series after going just 1/3 for 14 yards last week that included a deep overthrow to new receiver Torrey Smith. Backup Blaine Gabbert will get a bulk of the work again after going 8/11 for 86 yards and a touchdown.
He appeared in command of the new offense and was getting the ball out of his hands and in rhythm. Rookie Dylan Thompson will also play in the final quarter once again.
COACHES' MOTIVATION
Dallas showed little motivation last week, but took out some frustrations in a giant brawl with the Rams in a practice scrimmage on Tuesday. The Cowboys are 0-5 in their last five preseason games and coach Jason Garrett is focusing on the health and timing for his team more than any significant efforts to win.
New head coach Jim Tomsula has been on the 49ers staff since 2007. San Francisco should be more motivated returning home off a poor performance.
QUOTE TO NOTE
Cowboys coach Jason Garrett on turnovers following the Chargers game. “The stuff we need to work on is obvious. The first unit did a good job on the initial drive on offense. They made a critical fourth down. And the next play we snap the ball though the quarterbacks hand. We didn’t take care of the ball there. We had another one on a punt return and the ball comes out at the end of that play. We gave them two opportunities inside the 50 yard line. You can’t make those mistakes in this league.”
POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH
San Francisco - Defensive line with good depth, running back rotations, shuffling along offensive line.
Dallas - La'El Collins will replace Ronald Leary at left guard due to Leary being banged up and needing an MRI. This will give this position battle some life and the Cowboys will really be able to see if Collins can become a starter right out of the gate.
INJURIES
San Francisco – Wide receiver Bruce Ellington, linebacker Philip Wheeler and defensive lineman Glenn Dorsey are all out nursing leg injuries. Center Daniel Kilgore is on the physically unable to perform list with a leg injury. Safety Jimmy Ward and running back Kendall Hunter returned to practice this week following major injuries but will not play Saturday.
Dallas - Wide receiver Dez Bryant and offensive tackle Tyron Smith did not play last week and will sit this game with hamstring and biceps injuries.First round pick cornerback Byron Jones suffered a shoulder injury in practice Sunday and will be held out of this game. Defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford has a stiff back and likely won’t play.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Cowboys had little interest in their 17-7 loss at San Diego last week. The offense totaled less than 250 yards; however the defense held the Chargers to less than 200 yards in defeat but the Chargers pounded the ball on the ground 38 times for 135 yards with a very vanilla offense.
Still, the Cowboys were continually getting pressure on the quarterback and have mixed in some pretty intense blitzing schemes.
The 49ers also had a poor offensive showing with eight first downs and less than 200 yards in a 23-10 loss at Houston last week. The Texans trailed 10-8 at halftime but rolled up 400 yards of total offense. The 49ers pass defense was dreadful and the pass rush not much better as three Texans quarterbacks combined for a 119 passer rating.
The San Francisco defense is going to be a trouble spot this season under new coordinator Eric Mangini. They appear to be more motivated returning home off a poor performance, but we won’t lay points with this defense.
Depth issues in a new scheme should be more than enough for Dallas’ defense to slow them once again.
Dallas 17, San Francisco 16
BookMaker opened the spread for this Sunday game at -3 in favor of the 49ers. The NFL odds total surfaced at 40.5. Minute-by-minute spreads, totals and props are available for this game using the live betting platform at BookMaker.
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