Week 8 SNF: Cowboys-49ers Preview, Props & Prediction
Sun Oct 27 1:09pm ET
Field Level Media
The Dallas Cowboys come off their bye week desperately in need of a victory while traveling to face a San Francisco 49ers team dealing with a litany of injuries to their skill position personnel.
One of the NFC's oldest rivalries closes out Sunday's action in Week 8 of the NFL's regular season.
ODDS AND TRENDS
The 49ers (3-4) are consensus 5.0-point favorites at home. That includes at BetRivers, where the 49ers have drawn 64 percent of the spread-line money, while the Cowboys (3-3) have been backed by 53 percent of the total bets.
Dallas' +180 moneyline has been popular, attracting 61 percent of the money, although the 49ers have garnered 46 percent of the total bets at -225.
The Over/Under total points line has hovered around 47.5 and 48.0 at most books. At BetRivers, the Under has been backed by big wagers with 82 percent of the total money, although 70 percent of the total bets have supported to Over.
SERIES HISTORY
San Francisco has won the past three meetings, including playoff victories to end Dallas' 2021 and 2022 seasons. Last season's meeting was one-sided as the 49ers clobbered the Cowboys 42-10 behind four touchdown passes from Brock Purdy, three to George Kittle.
That beatdown might not have been as bad as the one Dallas (3-3) just experienced -- a 47-9 loss to the Detroit Lions before the team's much-needed bye.
THE NEWS
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had a message for his teammates before they all took time off for last week's bye.
"Look in the mirror. Go watch these six games over the bye week. Take a few days off. Reset. And be ready when we get back in that building to refocus and do every single thing that you can to help this team," Prescott told reporters. "And everybody has a role, whatever that role may be. Make sure you understand what it is, and if it's bigger than what it was a few weeks ago, if it's smaller, whatever it may be, figure out a way to be the absolute best in it.
"Eleven games left. We're going to take it one at a time. San Fran's next, so as we watch these six games, go ahead and get a jumpstart on a couple of their games and be ready, as I said, to refocus after this reset."
Prescott has passed for 1,602 yards, eight touchdowns and six interceptions entering the latest showdown with the 49ers.
Jordan Mason (shoulder) has been superb while replacing injured Christian McCaffrey and ranks second in the NFL with 667 rushing yards.
Purdy has passed for 1,841 yards, nine touchdowns and seven interceptions for the 49ers.
San Francisco star linebacker Fred Warner has heard the critiques of the 49ers being a team in trouble and he isn't interested in the rhetoric.
"You can listen to what people say about you in the outside world," Warner said. "All the stories can be written that we're not good enough and all these sorts of things. For us, it's about just continuing to focus on what we do."
INJURY REPORT
What the Cowboys could really use is seeing star linebacker Micah Parsons (ankle) and cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) on the field. But they're both out again Sunday night, and Bland's replacement in the starting lineup in 2024, Caelen Carson, is questionable with a shoulder injury.
Parsons will miss his third straight game. Bland has yet to play this season.
Cowboys starting linebacker Eric Kendricks (shoulder) is also listed as questionable.
The 49ers are battling a slew of injuries and lost star wideout Brandon Aiyuk to a season-ending right knee injury during last Sunday's 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Wideout Deebo Samuel (pneumonia/wrist) played just a few snaps and was later hospitalized and released on Tuesday. Though he sat out Wednesday's practice, San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said Samuel might play, but he's listed as questionable, the same designated the 49ers gave Kittle (foot).
Receiver Jauan Jennings (hip/groin) missed the Kansas City game, was unable to practice all week and is out along with kicker Jake Moody (ankle).
Of course, McCaffrey (Achilles) remains on injured reserve and hasn't played a down this season.
THEY SAID IT
--"I think we've gotta go into these games and say, 'We've gotta step on somebody's neck. It's just the simple things: being disciplined, can't kill each other on red-zone trips. Can't kill each other on third downs." --Parsons
--"The guys in the building are really talented, so we have to figure that out. It's on our vets to pull them along, whether they're ready or not. ... (The injuries) impact you to an extent but you have to have the three-foot mindset and just attack what's in front of you." --Kittle
PREDICTION
The Cowboys' three wins have all come on the road, although the first two came against Cleveland and the New York Giants. Dallas did also secure a solid win at Pittsburgh before getting blown out at home by Detroit. The 49ers due enter the game with a concerning amount of injuries to key personnel, but this is an equally critical game for San Francisco and Dallas simply hasn't played well against quality teams. --49ers 26, Cowboys 23
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- Raiders owner: Star DE Maxx Crosby not available for trade
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- Browns radio announcer Jim Donovan dies of cancer at 68
- Rams open to trading CB Tre'Davious White
- Cowboys to activate RB Dalvin Cook vs. 49ers
- Patriots S Kyle Dugger (ankle) questionable vs. Jets
- Colts activate DT DeForest Buckner from IR
- Browns activate Pro Bowl G Wyatt Teller from IR
- Colts RB Jonathan Taylor (ankle) slated to return vs. Texans
- Seahawks WR DK Metcalf (knee) doubtful vs. Bills
- Dolphins DE Zach Sieler out with freak eye injury, surgery possible
- Cowboys' Dalvin Cook could play vs. 49ers; Micah Parsons out
- Saints' Chris Olave, Taysom Hill expected to play vs. Chargers
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The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 8
Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (ankle) will play in Week 8 according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Wyatt has been sidelined since Week 5 with an ankle injury but was able to log three limited practice sessions this week. Fantasy managers should expect Wyatt to return to his starting role on the defensive line going forward. During the first four games he tallied ten tackles (eight solo) with three sacks. The 26-year-old should bolster the Green Bay pass rush going forward.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Antonio Hamilton (back) will not suit up in Week 8 when the Falcons face their division rival, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hamilton logged three limited practice sessions during the week but is unable to suit up on Sunday afternoon. Hamilton has been deployed in a depth role this season and has only tallied four total tackles. As a result, fantasy managers should expect A.J. Terrell and Mike Hughes to operate as the starting defensive backs this afternoon.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Greg Gaines (calf) and safety Tykee Smith (concussion) are listed as inactive for Sunday's tilt against the Atlanta Falcons. Gaines logged a limited practice on Thursday but was downgraded to a non-participant on Friday with a calf injury. Smith entered concussion protocol in Week 7 and has been unable to pass the necessary steps during the week. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, and C.J. Brewer to see most of the snaps on the defensive line and Jordan Whitehead and Christian Izien should see most of the work at safety.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (right shoulder) is inactive for Week 8 against the Detroit Lions. He was listed as questionable after being limited in practice all week. With Levis sidelined, the Titans will roll out Mason Rudolph as their starting quarterback for the second consecutive week. Last Sunday, he completed a respectable 62.5 percent of his passes for 215 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Ball security was an issue as he finished with three fumbles, including one recovered by the defense. Moving forward, Rudolph falls outside the top 24 fantasy quarterbacks.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals defensive back Sean Murphy-Bunting (neck) and defensive tackle Roy Lopez (ankle) will not suit up in Week 8 to face the Miami Dolphins. Bunting was unable to practice all week due to a neck injury he suffered in last week's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Lopez was also unable to practice all week. Both defenders will hope to return in Week 9 to face the Chicago Bears. As a result, Starling Thomas, Garrett Williams, and Max Melton will see most of the snaps at cornerback while Khyiris Tonga will start at defensive tackle.
From RotoBaller
The Miami Dolphins have declared DB Kader Kohou, C Andrew Meyer, CB Storm Duck, TE Tanner Conner, RB Jeff Wilson Jr., LB Mohamed Kamara and DL Zach Sieler inactive for Week 8.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill (foot) is officially active for the Week 8 game.
Fantasy Spin: Hill was added to the injury report during the week but has been cleared to play against the Arizona Cardinals. His numbers should improve significantly with Tua Tagovailoa back in the lineup and should be a starting option in all leagues.
From TheHuddle
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Justin Simmons (hamstring) will not suit up on Sunday according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Simmons logged two limited practice sessions earlier in the week but was downgraded to a non-participant on Friday. The 30-year-old safety will now set his sights on returning in Week 9 to face the Dallas Cowboys. Through seven games, Simmons has tallied 28 total tackles with one interception. As a result, IDP managers should expect Richie Grant to see an uptick in snaps.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) and linebacker Josh Uche (coach's decision) are both inactive for Week 8 against the New York Jets. Dugger had logged two consecutive full practices to end the week but presumably suffered some sort of setback early in the weekend, making him unavailable to play versus the Jets. He has been one of the Patriots' most impactful defenders this year, amassing 33 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble through five games. Jaylinn Hawkins should see more opportunities in his absence. Uche being sidelined is a little more curious as he wasn't on the injury report. The 26-year-old has registered 13 tackles and two sacks this year. His absence could be related to trade chatter as Uche has reportedly garnered interest from other teams. However, it could also be performance-based; the young defender played a season-low 11 percent of snaps last weekend and failed to register a tackle.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker (concussion) will not play in Week 8 when the Green Bay Packers face the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 24-year-old has been dealing with a concussion and was unable to pass through the league's protocol before the game. However, he was able to log two limited practice sessions on Thursday and Friday which suggests he may able to return next weekend. Through seven games this season, Walker has tallied 52 tackles (39 solo) and 1.5 sacks. As a result, Isaiah McDuffie should see an uptick in opportunities.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans have declared LB Azeez Al-Shaair, WR Steven Sims, SS Jimmie Ward, CB Myles Bryant, LB Henry To'oTo'o and OG Nick Broeker inactive for Week 8.
From TheHuddle
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (foot) is officially active for Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals. He had been listed as questionable after missing practice on Friday. In the end, though, he's suiting up. It figures to be a great week for fantasy managers invested in Hill because Tua Tagovailoa is making his return to the lineup. The quarterback has been sidelined since suffering a concussion in Week 2, but he makes his big return this week in an attempt to get the Miami offense back on track. In their one full game together this season, Tagovailoa and Hill connected for seven completions, 130 yards, and one touchdown. Hill is back to the WR1 tier this week.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. He had been listed as doubtful, so this news does not come as a surprise. The veteran receiver has been productive this season, catching 30 passes for 412 yards and five touchdowns while ranking as the overall WR13 in PPR leagues. Moving forward, Lazard can expect a slight decrease in opportunities with Davante Adams commanding significant volume. As for Week 8, expect Mike Williams to step up as the Jets' No. 3 receiver behind Adams and Garrett Wilson.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the wrong direction Sunday morning. Etienne will ultimately miss his second consecutive game, creating yet another opportunity for Tank Bigsby to strengthen his hold on the lead-back role in Jacksonville. Bigsby should be treated as a solid fantasy RB2 despite a matchup against the Packers' strong defense.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (ankle) is active for Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns. He had been listed as questionable. The young pass-catcher missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday before logging a limited session on Friday, so his availability for Week 8 was far from guaranteed. In the end, though, he'll be able to suit up for Sunday's divisional matchup. Flowers has been somewhat inconsistent as a low-floor, high-ceiling receiver this year. While fantasy managers can't be fully confident in his ability to post starter-caliber numbers, he should still be deployed as a top-24 receiver in most leagues. So far this year, he ranks as the overall WR19 in PPR leagues.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (toe) will suit up on Sunday afternoon when the Buccaneers face the Atlanta Falcons. Irving did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday but was able to return to a limited participation on Friday afternoon. Fantasy managers should expect the rookie to be deployed as the N2. 2 option in the backfield behind Rachaad White. However, without Chris Godwin (ankle) and Mike Evans (hamstring) Irving could still see a heavy workload. He is worth starting as a low-end flex option.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (knee) is officially inactive for Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns. This news is not surprising given that Humphrey missed all three practices this week and was listed as doubtful heading into the weekend. With the 28-year-old officially sidelined for the first time this year, look for Arthur Maulet to play more snaps on defense.
From RotoBaller
The Indianapolis Colts have declared WR Anthony Gould, LB Genard Avery, LB Isaiah Land, QB Sam Ehlinger, OG Danny Pinter and CB David Long inactive for Week 8.
From TheHuddle
The Tennessee Titans have declared TE David Martin-Robinson, LB Jerome Baker, TE Thomas Odukoya, OT Nicholas Petit-Frere, RB Tyjae Spears, QB Will Levis and CB L'Jarius Sneed inactive for Week 8.
From TheHuddle
The Baltimore Ravens have declared DE Adisa Isaac, CB Marlon Humphrey, CB Nate Wiggins, C Nick Samac, LB David Ojabo and RB Rasheen Ali inactive for Week 8.
From TheHuddle
