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Carrie Stroup here for Gambling911.com’s look at the Cowboys-49ers line, which was coming in at Dallas -3. The betting preview for this game appears below.
Sportsbook.com Line & Total: Dallas -3 & 42.5
Opening Line & Total: Dallas -3 & 41.5
The 49ers used special teams to clinch Jim Harbaugh’s coaching debut, but they’ll face a much tougher test when they host Dallas on Sunday.
The Cowboys offense is far more explosive than the Tarvaris Jackson-led Seattle team San Francisco hosted in its opener. The Seahawks didn’t threaten the Niners’ questionable defensive backfield. Meanwhile, the Cowboys, facing the Jets’ elite defense on the road in Week 1 and with top receiver Dez Bryant struggling with cramps, still rolled up a respectable 400 yards of offense. The 49ers needed two late kick-return touchdowns from Ted Ginn to pull away from Seattle, and their offense was as weak as advertised. They managed just 209 total yards against a soft Seahawks defense.
Although Tony Romo ultimately cost his team the game with a poorly-thrown interception late in the fourth quarter, the beleaguered Dallas QB was still able to gain 342 yards through the air with two touchdowns. The rushing offense was an entirely different story though. Felix Jones, who has averaged well above five yards per carry in his career, was held to 2.6 YPC (17 rushes, 44 yards) against the Jets. The Cowboys are dinged up a little bit with WR Dez Bryant (bruised quad), WR Miles Austin (hamstring) and CB Mike Jenkins (shoulder sprain), but all three players are expected to suit up Sunday. CB Orlando Scandrick is not as fortunate, as his high ankle sprain will keep him out 3-to-4 weeks. These teams have split the past eight meetings 4-4 SU, with Dallas prevailing in the most recent matchup in 2008 by a score of 35-22.
San Francisco was not expected to employ a high-octane aerial assault this season, but its rushing attack was supposed to be above average with Frank Gore in the backfield. However, the 49ers gained only 2.7 YPC, tallying just 85 yards on 32 attempts. Gore was limited to 59 yards on 22 carries (2.7 YPC). QB Alex Smith only threw for 124 yards and no touchdowns, but he was an efficient 15-of-20 passing with zero interceptions. Another area of improvement needed is on third downs, where San Francisco was 1-for-12 against Seattle. FS Dashon Goldson (knee) did not play in Week 1, and is questionable to return for Sunday’s game. WR Michael Crabtree has been bothered by his left foot, which has undergone two recent surgeries, but will reportedly continue to play through the pain.
- Carrie Stroup, Gambling911.com Senior Reporter
