The NFL is back for Week 8 of the regular season as two underperforming sides go head-to-head at Levi’s Stadium when the San Francisco 49ers host the Dallas Cowboys.
The 49ers have been uncharacteristically weak defensively this season and come into this game with a 3-4 record, while the Cowboys have had an equally poor season so far going 3-3 up to this point.
We’ll take a look at the game between these two sides and provide you with our best free NFL betting picks to try and earn you some extra cash while you enjoy the action on the field.
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Dallas started their season well with a 33-17 win on the road to the Cleveland Browns, as Dak Prescott turned in an impressive performance despite being sacked three times to solidify their pre-season expectations as being a side that could compete for the title.
However, in week 2 they fell to a horror 44-19 defeat against the New Orleans Saints, and things then got worse in week 3 as the Baltimore Ravens pipped them 28-25 to condemn the team to a second consecutive home defeat.
The team bounced back in week 4 with a 20-15 win over the New York Giants thanks to a strong first-half showing, before a come from behind victory in week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers saw them score 14 points in the final quarter to win 20-17.
Last time out in week 6 they got absolutely thrashed by the Detroit Lions in a 47-9 blowout, conceding double-digit points in the second, third and fourth quarter. But they come into this game on the back of a bye-week so should be full refreshed as they look to continue their 100% record on the road this season.
The 49ers opened their season in the perfect way as they claimed a dominant 32-19 win over the New York Jets in week one. Despite a slow start in the first quarter, San Francisco blew the Jets away with a 13-0 second quarter which essentially got them the win with Brock Purdy throwing for 231 yards.
Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings was poor though as they fell to a 23-17 defeat, with another slow start costing them. The team found themselves 10-0 down midway through the second quarter never had the lead at any point in the game.
In week 3 the 49ers fell to 1-2 as they collapsed in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams. Leading 24-14 midway through the fourth, the 49ers conceded 13 unanswered points.
They bounced back the following week against the New England Patriots with an explosive performance, hitting 30 points to the Patriots’ 13, including outscoring them 20-3 in the first half. Week 5 saw another defeat as the Arizona Cardinals came from a 13-point deficit to keep San Francisco pointless in the entire second half and make a comeback to win 24-23.
They then smashed through the Seattle Seahawks with a 36-24 win to get back to winning ways, but the defensive issues remain and they were well beaten by the Kansas City Chiefs last time out.
Teams coming off blowout losses tend to respond, and Dallas has had an extra week to prepare following its disastrous day against Detroit.
The Niners have won the last three meetings between these teams, including two playoff games, but the way the teams are performing currently suggests Dallas have a great chance.
Kyle Shanahan was dealt a major blow as wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (torn ACL/MCL) was ruled out for the season, fellow wideout Deebo Samuel is in the hospital with pneumonia, and tight end George Kittle is questionable with a sprained foot for the game.
Christian McCaffrey also won’t return until week 10, and there’s also a chance that left tackle Trent Williams could miss this game via suspension. They’re considerably weaker and already struggling badly for results and performances.
Dallas’ defense is allowing 143.2 rushing yards per game and has injury concerns, though. Micah Parsons (ankle) and No. 2 corner DaRon Bland (foot) will be late calls.
However, that rushing attack may not be as effective without any legitimate threat of a passing attack. Dallas’ offense isn’t particularly balanced, so this should be tight. With both sides struggling, taking the Cowboys with a four-point advantage looks a sensible play.
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Dallas’ defense hasn’t been great lately, but the bye week should help with health and preparation. Plus with Brock Purdy likely to be without a host of his usual weapons, Shanahan will have to find a gameplan made up of lots of running plays.
The Cowboys have struggled to put up points against this Niners’ defense in recent matchups, and those previous teams had more reliable weapons. Dallas has cleared 25 points once in six games, so the under just makes a lot more sense in a clash between these sides.
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About the Author
Daniel is a football writer who has a great thirst for the Premier League and other major European leagues. A lover of the beautiful game and a firm believer that the eye test is better than statistics. Also an avid MMA fan.
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