Cowboys vs. 49ers: TV Schedule, Live Streaming, Radio, Game Time and More

It is impossible to look at the NFL schedule and see that the Cowboys and 49ers are playing and not think back to the great rivalry that these two teams had in the 1980s and '90s when it seemed like every year they played in the NFC Championship game.

Those days are long gone, but their matchup this week does have plenty of intrigue attached to it.

The Cowboys are desperate for a win this week after their heartbreaking loss to the Jets in Week 1. Tony Romo has to redeem himself after making two critical turnovers in the fourth quarter last week, and the secondary is still trying to figure out how to stop opposing quarterbacks.

The 49ers looked sluggish on offense against Seattle last week, though Alex Smith was at least efficient with the ball, and the defense wore down late in the game as the Seahawks pulled to within two points late in the fourth quarter. Thankfully, Ted Ginn found his magic shoes from Ohio State and had two special teams touchdowns to seal the victory.

Where: Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California

When: Sunday, September 18 at 4:15 p.m. EST

Watch: FOX (Local Affiliates); DirecTV Channel 714

Listen: 105.3 The Fan (Dallas); KNBR/BONE (San Francisco); Sirius Channel 139 (San Francisco)

Betting Line: Cowboys (-3), Over/Under 43

What’s At Stake?

This is not the first time the Cowboys have had to bounce back after a hard loss, but since their loss last week was the first game of the season, it could have a ripple effect that lingers all year long. They need a good performance this week and a victory to prove that they are on the right track.

The 49ers need to have a much more efficient performance on offense this week if they want to keep up with a Cowboys team that can put up a lot of points in a hurry. Alex Smith will have to take more chances downfield to prove that this team can compete with the better teams in the NFC and make a serious playoff push this year.

The Cowboys’ Injury Report

WRs Dez Bryant (bruised quad) and Miles Austin (hamstring) are probable.

CB Orlando Scandrick (ankle) is out for 3-4 weeks

RB Tashard Choice (knee), LB Bradie James and CB Mike Jenkins (sprained shoulder) are all listed as probable for the game.

The 49ers’ Injury Report

WR Michael Crabtree is listed as questionable due to pain in his surgically repaired left foot, but plans to play through the pain this week.

S Dashon Goldson was inactive for last week’s game versus Seattle due to a knee injury, but the team has not given an update on his status for this week’s game.

Fantasy Start ‘Em

Tony Romo, QB, Dallas: Ignoring the two turnovers he had in the fourth quarter, Romo had a field day against the Jets, who have one of the best defenses in the NFL. The 49ers don’t have a lot of depth at cornerback and he should be able to throw for at least 300 yards and two touchdowns again.

Fantasy Sit ‘Em:

Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco: For all the problems that the Cowboys have in the secondary, their defensive front seven is as strong a group as there is in the NFC. DeMarcus Ware is a monster off the end and Jay Ratliff is a good plug in the middle of the defensive line. Gore will struggle to get yardage again this week.

Fantasy Sleeper:

Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco: The 49ers played uninspired on offense last week, but Alex Smith was efficient when he did throw the ball. This week he goes up against a mediocre Cowboys’ secondary and should be able to throw for at least 250 yards and two touchdowns.

What They Are Saying

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been defending quarterback Tony Romo all week after the debacle against the Jets. He believes that big things are in store for his team and his quarterback.

"We are going to rise and fall with what Tony Romo is about over the next six or seven years," Jones said Tuesday on his local radio show on 105.3 FM/The Fan.

"He is averaging 10 wins for every 16 games started in the NFL. He is a winner."

Meanwhile, 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh thinks that his team deserves more respect from fans and analysts around the country after their victory over the Seahawks last week.

"It just kind of documents what you know," Harbaugh said. "What the perception is of our team around the league and around the country. Some people can say that's not fair, it isn't right, but do something about it. And that's our mind-set. That's our approach."

Cowboys’ Player To Watch

DeMarcus Ware, DE/OLB: The Cowboys defense is going to be successful as long as the defensive line is putting pressure on the quarterback consistently. Ware was in the Jets’ backfield practically every play last week, and he will give Alex Smith fits this week. Another game with multiple sacks is a perfectly reasonable expectation for him on Sunday.

49ers’ Player To Watch

Alex Smith, QB: It might seem obvious, but the 49ers are going to go as far as Alex Smith is able to take them. He did not have a great game against the Seahawks last week, but at least he did not turn the ball over and he made smart decisions with the football. He should be able to open the offense up more this week against a porous Cowboys defense.

Matchup To Watch

The 49ers’ Offensive Line vs. the Cowboys’ Defensive Line

This matchup is going to determine who wins this game. If the Cowboys aren’t able to put pressure against Alex Smith and prevent Frank Gore from having a big game, they will have a hard time winning. If they can stop Smith and Gore, this game will be over before it begins.

Prediction

Cowboys 28, 49ers 17