San Francisco’s elite rushing attack faces a Dallas defense that has struggled to stop the run.
San Francisco’s 7-1 record and No. 2 power-index ranking put the 49ers atop the standings, while Dallas sits at 4-5 and No. 19. Both teams won their last game, but San Francisco has won four of its last five while Dallas has taken two of five. The key matchup is Christian McCaffrey’s 457 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns against a Cowboys defense allowing 147.4 rushing yards per game; Dallas will lean on Javonte Williams, who has nine rushing touchdowns of his own. Brock Purdy has thrown 17 touchdown passes and Dak Prescott 16, but Dallas must contain McCaffrey to keep the 49ers’ balanced attack from taking control.