Sunday, September 7, 2014

AT&T Stadium in Arlington

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Of all the matchups scheduled for week 1 of the National Football League schedule, this is the one being predicted to be the most lopsided. Last year, the San Francisco 49ers finished in second place in the National Football Conference West division after going 12-4, while the Dallas Cowboys finished at 8-8 for the third straight season and failed to reach the playoffs. The 49ers made some positive moves in the offseason, while the Cowboys changes were for the worse, losing DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher, and already having lost Sean Lee for the season due to injury.

The 49ers were already one of the best teams in the league a year ago and through free agency and the draft, got even better. With the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in the same division, the 49ers need to keep up each week if they want to win the division title and the Super Bowl. As always, the team will be led by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, running back Frank Gore, wide receivers Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin, and tight end Vernon Davis. Defensively, the 49ers are at the top of the league with Justin Smith, Patrick Willis, Aldon Smith, and Antoine Bethea.

The Cowboys will be led in this game against their longtime rivals by quarterback Tony Romo, who is coming off a stellar 2013 season that saw him throw for 3,828 yards, 31 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions. He has a lot of talent built around him on the offensive side of the ball including running back DeMarco Murray, wide receiver Dez Bryant, and tight end Jason Witten. In this game against the high-powered 49ers attack, it won't be about how good the Dallas offense will be. It will be more about how bad their defense will be.

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Injuries to Watch

San Francisco 49ers

08/29/14 LB Aldon Smith Suspension expected to miss 9 games
08/26/14 RB Marcus Lattimore Knee PUP
08/13/14 RB Kendall Hunter Knee out for season
08/08/14 DL Glenn Dorsey Arm out indefinitely
07/26/14 LB NaVorro Bowman Knee PUP

Dallas Cowboys

08/29/14 LB Anthony Spencer Knee expected to miss Sunday vs. San Francisco
08/29/14 DE George Selvie Shoulder questionable Sunday vs. San Francisco
08/29/14 RB Joseph Randle Oblique questionable Sunday vs. San Francisco
08/28/14 DB Jakar Hamilton Suspension expected to miss weeks 1-4 of regular season
08/24/14 TE Gavin Escobar Shoulder probable Sunday vs. San Francisco
08/19/14 LB DeVonte Holloman Neck out for season
08/12/14 CB Orlando Scandrick Suspension expected to miss weeks 1-4 of regular season
07/27/14 LB Sean Lee Knee out for season

Guy's Pick: Take San Francisco

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