Cowboys vs. 49ers: Time, TV channel, streaming, key matchups, prediction for NFL divisional round playoffs

It’s only fitting that the Cowboys and 49ers are closing out the divisional round of this year’s NFL playoffs. Few matchups are as iconic in the league’s postseason history books: Dallas and San Francisco have met eight times in win-or-go-home situations, and all but two have come in the NFC Championship. Now, this weekend, America’s Team is looking to exact revenge for what occurred last January, when the 49ers rolled through Dallas on Super Wild Card Weekend.

Best of all, perhaps no two teams are hitting their peak at a better time. San Francisco has now won 11 straight, including the playoffs, after routing the rival Seahawks in the opening round. And Dallas, despite a clunker in Week 18, rebounded to dominate the Tom Brady-led Buccaneers, 31-14, on Monday night. Their showdown this Sunday is must-see TV.

Here’s an overview of how to tune in, plus key players and strategies for both sides, and a final-score prediction:

How to watch

Date: Sunday, Jan. 22 | Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Location: Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, California)
TV: Fox | Stream: fuboTV (try for free)
Follow: CBS Sports App
Odds: 49ers -4, O/U 46.5 (via Caesars Sportsbook)

When the Cowboys have the ball

Air that thing out. Dak Prescott has been uncharacteristically boom-or-bust this year, either flashing MVP-level distribution or forcing tight-window throws. And the last thing you want is for him to be holding the ball too long in the face of Nick Bosa (18.5 sacks). But the reality is San Francisco is much more vulnerable defending the pass than the run; the 49ers finished 2022 ranked No. 2 against the ground game, and just 20th against the pass. They stiffen up in the red zone, of course, surrendering an NFL-best 16.3 points per game, but it’s very possible to push the ball against their secondary.