It took until the final game of the season, but the San Francisco 49ers clinched a playoff spot with a 27-24 comeback win in L.A. against the Rams last week.  San Fran’ is headed to Dallas for the wild-card round on Sunday.  The Cowboys routed Philadelphia 51-26 on the road last week.

Dallas is a 3-point favourite to win on the NFL odds, with a total of 51.0.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

It’s been all Dallas in this head-to-head as the Cowboys have won six of the last seven games between these teams, although they didn’t play this year.  The total has trended high, with the Over hitting in seven of the last eight games in the all-time series.

San Francisco ended the season strong, winning four of their final five games.  They were better on the road than at home this year, going 6-3 outside the Bay Area compared to 4-4 at Levi’s Stadium.  The 49ers were 9-8 against the spread in 2021, but they’ve covered in just one of their last six games against America’s Team.  The total went Under in four of the 49ers last five games.

The Cowboys went 5-1 straight up and ATS over their last six games to claim the NFC East this year.  They’ve been a great cover option, going 13-4 ATS overall.  The total has gone Over in eight of Dallas’ last 11 home games.

San Francisco 49ers

Thanks to multiple injuries, the 49ers stumbled out of the gate for the first month and a half of the season, but an 8-3 run to end the year helped San Francisco squeak into the playoffs.  With the 49ers down 17-0 on the road at one point last week, it didn’t look good, but a 24-yard field goal by Robbie Gould and game-ending interception from rookie Ambry Thomas secured a playoff spot.  Jimmy Garoppolo, who was playing through a sprained thumb, passed for 316 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.

Wide receiver Deebo Samuel was a Swiss Army knife last week.  Samuel had 95 receiving yards and added another 45 yards and a touchdown on the ground, but his most impressive play was a trick 24-yard touchdown pass to Jauan Jennings.  Jennis had 94 receiving yards in the game and two TD catches.

The 49ers are relatively healthy heading into Sunday.  Garoppolo’s thumb is reportedly better and not expected to hinder him.  Star left tackle Trent Williams missed last week’s game due to an elbow injury suffered in the Week 17 win over Houston.  Williams was close to returning for last week’s game, so it’s tough to see him missing this week’s contest.

Dallas Cowboys

Despite the Eagles sitting multiple starters last week, Dallas’ blowout win was still impressive as it was on the road against a divisional opponent.  It was one of the best performances Dak Prescott has ever given.  Prescott completed 21 of 27 pass attempts for 295 yards and a career-high five TDs.  His 37 TDs on the year is a new franchise record.  Ezekiel Elliott picked up 87 rushing yards, while Cedrick Wilson (119 receiving yards) and Dalton Schultz (21 yards) each caught two touchdowns passes.

Running back Tony Pollard was give last week off to rest an injured foot he has been dealing with since early December, but he is expected to be back on Sunday.  Left tackle Tyron Smith and rookie linebacker Micah Parsons are also due to return after being removed from the COVID list this week.

NFL Prediction: Who Will Win 49ers vs. Cowboys?