Cowboys vs. 49ers: Over/Under, Spread, Final Predictions, TV Info and More

The Dallas Cowboys need a win against the San Francisco 49ers this weekend. 

Following an ugly loss that reeks of Tony Romo, the boys from Big D need a win in a big way.

San Francisco took advantage of their division rival Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, but hosting Dallas is a completely different ball game.

Jim Harbaugh's team may be ready to compete in the lowly NFC West, but they still have a lot of work to do to hang with a team as talented as the Cowboys.

Harbaugh and Dallas coach Jason Garrett are two former NFL quarterbacks who know what it takes to win in the NFL. They also know a conference game in Week 2 could come back to bite them in the rear, come playoff time.

This game will be heavily contested from the first whistle to the last.

Where: Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

When: Sunday, September 18. 4:05 p.m. EST

Watch: FOX. DirecTV 714

Over/Under: 42.5 points

These two teams combined for 57 points in their openers. Neither team is particularly good against the spread and they have not played each other in the past three years. Dallas' defense is banged up in the secondary, but the 49ers don't have the offense to exploit it. It is an ugly number, but I like the under.

Spread: Cowboys -3

Dallas is 3-7 against the spread when the line is plus-3 or minus-3. They are also a terrible 0-4 ATS as a road favorite in their last four attempts. Dallas might be the better team, but taking the points at home is better play. 

Cowboys' Key Injuries

Orlando Scandrick, CB: Out at least 3-4 weeks with an ankle injury.

Terrence Newman, CB: The veteran cornerback was ruled out for the game with a groin injury.

Dez Bryant, WR: The youngster is expected to play after suffering a quad injury.

Miles Austin, WR: Austin is expected to play after suffering a hamstring injury.

49ers' Key Injuries

Michael Crabtree, WR: The young receiver is listed as out with a foot injury.

Shawtae Spencer, CB: The veteran is still battling a hamstring injury and is likely out of the lineup.

Fantasy Big Plays

Start 'Em: Tony Romo, QB, Dallas. Romo may find a way to lose football games like no other quarterback in the league, but he can also put up statistics. The 49ers are going to come after him, and Romo should have plenty of mismatches on the outside with his receivers.

Sit 'Em: Ted Ginn Jr., WR/KR, San Francisco. Don't be fooled by Ginn's freakish abilities in Week 1. He's still one of the most inconsistent players in the league and you shouldn't give him a starting nod this week. 

Keys to Cowboys Win

Balanced offense: Tony Romo and his receivers can look like superstars at times. When healthy, Miles Austin, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten can be considered mismatches on nearly any secondary in the league. But the best way to make sure they're effective is to keep defenses honest. Dallas needs to use their three-headed backfield just as efficiently as their passing game if they want to be as productive as possible.

Pressure the QB: DeMarcus Ware does this rather easily, but 49ers quarterback Alex Smith will get flustered if there is pressure in his face regularly. The Dallas secondary is banged up and the best way to give the replacements a chance at shining is with pressure up front.

Keys to 49ers Win

 Frank Gore: The veteran running back only had 75 all-purpose yards on 25 carries in Week 1. The 49ers came away with a win, but they need their only offensive superstar to be productive if they have any chance at beating the Cowboys. If he can make some plays out of the backfield, it will force Dallas to keep a check on him rather than sending an extra man on the blitz every play.

Capitalize on turnovers: The 49ers had five sacks, one interception and two fumble recoveries in their Week 1 win. If an opportunity presents itself this week, they cannot afford to give the Cowboys any second chances. Pressure, tipped balls, fumbles and interceptions will be crucial for this team to have any chance at home. 

 
Prediction: Cowboys 21, 49ers 20