There are some matchups that will be more important than others for the Dallas Cowboys this week.
After a much-needed week to rest and recuperate, the Dallas Cowboys will be coming off their bye week in an important Week 8 matchup with the rival San Francisco 49ers. While it’s true the 49ers have gotten the better of the Cowboys the last several times these two teams have played one another, this week’s head-to-head battle might actually favor Dallas.
Despite the home-field advantage, the San Francisco 49ers are entering this Week 8 matchup beat up and possibly without several key starters. The same also happens to be true for the Dallas Cowboys, making this game all the more intriguing. Whichever team is better equipped to overcome their current injuries should walk away with the victory.
Today, we are going to take a look at a few matchups that could help sway the game one way or the other. If the Cowboys were to get the better of the matchups we mentioned below there’s a very good chance they put another “W” in the win column against a 49ers team that has pretty much dominated them recently.
Cowboys’ CBs vs. 49ers’ WRs
If there is one matchup that might help sway the game in the Cowboys favor against the 49ers, it could come in the passing game if DaRon Bland can return. For the first time all season the Cowboys secondary could be at full strength against a 49ers receiving corps that has been decimated by injuries. Brandon Aiyuk will be out with a season-ending knee injury, Deebo Samuel is dealing with pneumonia and could miss as well, and Jauan Jennings is also dealing with a hip injury. This should all benefit Dallas.
Cowboys’ run defense vs. RB Jordan Mason
The Cowboys run defense has been suspect at best so far this season, but more so at home than away. When playing at AT&T Stadium they’ve been completely embarrassed by the Saints, Ravens, and Lions, however, on the road they’ve played much better. Fortunately this is the first of two back-to-back road games, but there is still cause for concern because of RB Jordan Mason. He is currently second in the league in rushing yards with with 667 rushing yards. With the 49ers banged up WR corps, containing him is vital.
LT Tyler Guyton vs. DE Leonard Floyd
Week 8 will be Tyler Guyton’s first week back since injuring his knee against the Steelers in Week 5 after playing only 23 offensive snaps. He’s definitely had his ups and downs in his first six professional starts with the Cowboys going up against some of the best pass rushers in the league, and could have his hands full again against 49ers DE Leonard Floyd. Floyd currently has five QB sacks this season, which is tied for seventh in the league. Hopefully Guyton is rested and better prepared coming off the bye week.
