Ahhhhh… Memories of the early 1990’s. Not quite the matchup we saw back then, now is it? However, despite the fact that San Francisco has managed to stay atop the league while Dallas has fallen into a rebuilding mode, this game should be closer than you might think.
My power ratings show Dallas to be statistically underrated in this game and there are a lot of other factors that complement that assessment.
Dallas is coming off two straight wins for the first time this season. The defense has been there for them all season long, ranked 5th in the league in points allowed and giving up a league best 3.6 yards per carry on the ground. They have just been waiting for the offense to come around.
And around it has come. Chad Hutchison has found his groove and his success has spilled over into the running game. Emmitt’s putting up numbers that rival his prime years and Joey Galloway is showing he is one of the league’s scariest threats. After averaging 11.8 points per game during their first ten games, the Cowboys have put up 24 per game over the last two. Combined with their excellent defense, they are a threat to win any game.
It comes down to this. The Cowboys are on the upswing and brimming with confidence while San Francisco is struggling a bit. Dallas has a much better defense and a resurgent offense. And here’s the kicker – they are getting well over a field goal at home. Take the Boys.