What started as a potential blowout in this “Sunday Night Football” matchup transformed into a nail-biting near comeback for the Dallas Cowboys. In the end, the San Francisco 49ers emerged victorious with a score of 30-24.

At halftime, the 49ers found themselves trailing the Cowboys 10-6 but quickly turned things around by scoring three consecutive touchdowns to kick off the third quarter. Although Dallas wide receiver CeeDee Lamb managed two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, it wasn’t sufficient to overcome a 17-point deficit.

On “National Tight Ends Day,” San Francisco tight end George Kittle stole the spotlight with six receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown. Additionally, rookie running back Isaac Guerendo showcased his skills, rushing for 85 yards on 14 carries and scoring his first professional touchdown after Jordan Mason left the game early due to a shoulder injury.

Compounding the injury woes, wide receiver Deebo Samuel also had to exit the game with a rib injury. By the game’s conclusion, the 49ers were missing their top three receivers — Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk (who has a season-ending knee injury), and Jauan Jennings (hip injury).

With this win, the 49ers improve to a 4-4 record, while the Cowboys drop to 3-4.

Here’s a breakdown of how San Francisco secured this prime-time win:

Highlights from 49ers vs. Cowboys

49ers 30, Cowboys 24: CeeDee Lamb shines, gives Dallas hope

CeeDee Lamb found himself wide open in the end zone for the second time during consecutive Cowboys drives, thanks to a collision between two 49ers defenders. Dak Prescott took advantage of the opportunity, connecting with Lamb for a touchdown once again.

With back-to-back touchdown drives by Dallas, the game suddenly tightened up with the score at 30-24 in favor of the 49ers, just 3:32 left on the clock.

Deebo Samuel questionable to return due to rib injury

Deebo Samuel sustained his injury sometime during the fourth quarter, and the 49ers have now labeled him as questionable for a return.

49ers 30, Cowboys 17: Anders Carlson scores his third field goal

49ers kicker Anders Carlson maintained his perfect record on kick attempts during this “Sunday Night Football” game, hitting a 41-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. He remains unblemished at 3-for-3 for field goals and has successfully made all his extra points.

The score now stands at 30-17 in favor of the 49ers with just 4:25 to go.

49ers 27, Cowboys 17: Dak Prescott connects with CeeDee Lamb for another touchdown

A defensive breakdown left CeeDee Lamb wide open once again, allowing him to score as Dak Prescott made an easy pass for a touchdown. This reduced the Cowboys’ deficit to 10 points.

It’s now 27-17 for the 49ers with under eight minutes remaining.

49ers 27, Cowboys 10: Brock Purdy scores on a quarterback sneak

San Francisco dominated the second half with Brock Purdy sneaking in a 2-yard touchdown rush, extending their lead to 17 points. The 49ers have now scored on three straight drives since halftime.

Score: 27-10 for the 49ers, 36 seconds left in the third quarter.

49ers 20, Cowboys 10: George Kittle scores on National Tight Ends Day

With a great field position following Deommodore Lenoir’s interception, Brock Purdy threw a touchdown pass to George Kittle in the end zone. The officials initially called offensive pass interference on Chris Conley but reversed the decision after a brief discussion.

The 49ers lead the Cowboys 20-10 midway through the third quarter.

Deommodore Lenoir records another interception

Just a week after recording his first interception of the season against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, Deommodore Lenoir made a terrific leaping interception near the sideline against Dak Prescott. This impressive play regained possession for the 49ers at the Dallas 32-yard line with 11:30 left in the third quarter.

49ers 13, Cowboys 10: Isaac Guerendo scores for San Francisco

The 49ers claimed the lead for the first time since their initial 3-0 start thanks to rookie running back Isaac Guerendo, who rushed 4 yards for the touchdown. This was set up by a 43-yard reception from tight end George Kittle just beforehand.

Current score: 13-10 in favor of the 49ers only two minutes into the second half.

Cowboys 10, 49ers 6: Anders Carlson scores his second field goal

On their fourth drive of the game, the 49ers reached Cowboys territory but stalled outside the red zone. Anders Carlson successfully kicked his second field goal of the evening from 44 yards away, reducing the deficit to four points.

The score is now 10-6 for the Cowboys with 1:30 left in the first half.

Jordan Mason questionable to return due to shoulder injury

After the two-minute warning, a segment from NBC’s broadcast showed Mason heading into the 49ers’ locker room accompanied by medical staff. He is currently being assessed for a shoulder injury and is doubtful to return.

Meanwhile, rookie Isaac Guerendo will step in as the primary running back for San Francisco.

Cowboys 10, 49ers 3: Brandon Aubrey extends Dallas’ lead

Brandon Aubrey successfully made a 29-yard field goal following an eight-play, 46-yard scoring drive that increased the Cowboys’ lead.

With three and a half minutes remaining in the first half, the Cowboys are ahead by seven points.

Aubrey was unable to participate in practice during the week leading up to the game on Sunday night due to jury duty obligations.

Cowboys 7, 49ers 3: Ezekiel Elliott scores

Following a penalty for pass interference in the end zone against 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward, Ezekiel Elliott rushed up the middle to score from one yard out. This marked the running back’s second touchdown of the season and put the Cowboys in the lead at 7-3.

San Francisco will regain possession after the kickoff about four minutes into the second quarter.

Players separate after heated exchange

Less than three minutes into the first quarter, after a punt from Mitch Wishnowsky, tensions flared between the Cowboys and 49ers players. Fortunately, they were pulled apart before things escalated further, resulting in two offsetting unnecessary roughness penalties, one for each team.

The Cowboys will take over possession after the punt at their own 35-yard line with 2:33 remaining in the first quarter.

Ji’Ayir Brown intercepts Dak Prescott

As the Cowboys entered 49ers territory about ten minutes into the first quarter, Dak Prescott attempted to connect with KaVontae Turpin on a deep left sideline pass. Ji’Ayir Brown, the safety, made a great play by intercepting the pass as he cut underneath the throw.

San Francisco will take over on their own 8-yard line with 4:27 left in the first quarter.

49ers 3, Cowboys 0: Anders Carlson gives San Francisco an early advantage

The opening drive for the 49ers was halted at the Cowboys’ 32-yard line, prompting kicker Anders Carlson to take a 50-yard field goal attempt.

He successfully made the kick, giving the 49ers a 3-0 lead. The significant play in the seven-play, 55-yard drive was a 47-yard pass reception by receiver Deebo Samuel from quarterback Brock Purdy.

Carlson, along with safety Adrian Amos, was promoted from the practice squad for the game, as the regular kicker Jake Moody is recovering from a high-ankle sprain.

What time is Cowboys at 49ers?

• Start time: 8:20 p.m. ET | 5:20 p.m. PT

The “Sunday Night Football” clash between the 49ers and Cowboys is set to commence at 8:20 p.m. ET (5:20 p.m. PT) at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

How to watch 49ers vs. Cowboys

• TV channel: NBC

The matchup will be broadcasted on NBC and available for streaming on Peacock. You can also catch the game on Fubo.

Mike Tirico will handle play-by-play commentary, Cris Collinsworth will provide analysis, and Melissa Stark will report from the field for NBC.

49ers vs. Cowboys picks and predictions

Here’s how the YSL News Sports team sees the 49ers vs. Cowboys matchup on “SNF” unfolding:

• Lorenzo Reyes: Cowboys 21, 49ers 20
• Tyler Dragon: 49ers 23, Cowboys 21
• Richard Morin: 49ers 30, Cowboys 27
• Jordan Mendoza: 49ers 22, Cowboys 20

49ers vs. Cowboys betting odds, moneyline, over/under

The 49ers are favored to win against the Cowboys according to BetMGM NFL odds. If you’re looking to bet, check out the top mobile sports betting applications that offer NFL betting promos for 2024, including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.

• Spread: 49ers (-4.5)
• Moneyline: 49ers (-225); Cowboys (+180)
• Over/Under: 46.5

If this game doesn’t interest you, our guide on NFL betting odds, picks, and spreads covers everything you need, including odds for Thursday Night Football and Monday Night Football.

New to sports betting? YSL News readers can access exclusive promotions and bonus codes through top online sportsbooks and sports betting platforms.

Rico Dowdle unexpectedly ruled out for ‘Sunday Night Football’

The running back was not listed on the Cowboys’ injury report throughout the week. However, after arriving at Levi’s Stadium before the game, he began to feel unwell. Following an evaluation by the Cowboys’ medical team, it was decided that he would not participate in the game against the 49ers.

Cowboys’ inactive players vs. 49ers: Micah Parsons (ankle) will not play

All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons will miss his third consecutive game as he recovers from a high ankle sprain sustained in Week 4 against the New York Giants. Parsons did not practice at all during the week once the Cowboys returned from their bye.

The inactive players for the Cowboys are:

• DE Micah Parsons
• QB Trey Lance (third string)
• CB Caelen Carson
• RB Rico Dowdle
• CB Andrew Booth
• OT Matt Waletzko

49ers’ inactive players vs. Cowboys: Jauan Jennings out, but Deebo Samuel (illness) and George Kittle (foot) both set to play

Deebo Samuel has been managing a “pneumonia-like illness” for several weeks, as noted by 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. Samuel only participated in four snaps during the 49ers’ Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and was hospitalized recently. Despite missing practice on Wednesday, he practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday and Friday and is active for Sunday night’s contest against the Cowboys.

George Kittle also faced a “day-to-day” situation regarding his participation and will play Sunday night after managing a sprained foot that limited his practice time this week.

The inactive players for the 49ers are:

• QB Joshua Dobbs
• DL Kevin Givens
• K Jake Moody
• WR Jauan Jennings
• OL Ben Bartch
• LB Jalen Graham
• CB Rock Ya-Sin

Update on Brandon Aiyuk’s injury

As of Monday, Oct. 21, MRI results confirmed the 49ers’ initial concern that Brandon Aiyuk tore both his ACL and MCL during the game against the Chiefs, unfortunately ending his season.

Aiyuk sustained a blow to his right leg from Chamarri Conner, a safety with the Chiefs, right after securing a catch in the second quarter.

Weather Update for 49ers vs. Cowboys

As per AccuWeather, temperatures at game time at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, are expected to be a pleasant 70 degrees with some cloud cover. There’s no forecast for rain.

NFC East Standings

1. Washington Commanders: 6-2
2. Philadelphia Eagles: 5-2
3. Dallas Cowboys: 3-3
4. New York Giants: 2-5

• View complete NFL standings

NFC West Standings

1. Arizona Cardinals: 4-4
2. Seattle Seahawks: 4-4
3. Los Angeles Rams: 3-4
4. San Francisco 49ers: 3-4

• View complete NFL standings

NFL Team with the Most Super Bowl Wins

The Pittsburgh Steelers are tied with the New England Patriots for the highest number of Super Bowl victories, each with six championships.

Pittsburgh and Dallas have the unique distinction of competing against each other more than any other matchup in Super Bowl history, facing off three times.

The 49ers have appeared in eight Super Bowls and have clinched five championships, with the latest being from the 1994 season. The Cowboys have also won five Super Bowls, with their most recent victory during the 1995 campaign.

• Check out Super Bowl winners: Historical scores and outcomes for the NFL championship game

Details on Dak Prescott’s Contract

Dak Prescott recently finalized a groundbreaking contract extension with the Cowboys right before the NFL season commenced. The agreement includes the following details, according to Spotrac.com:

• Term: 4 years
• Total Value: $240 million
• Average Annual Value (AAV): $60 million
• Guaranteed Money: $231 million

This new arrangement is an addition to the one year left on the initial four-year, $160 million deal he signed with the Cowboys ahead of the 2021 free agency period. This means Prescott is contracted with the Cowboys until the end of the 2028 season, when he will be 35 years old.

Top-Paid NFL Players by Position

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• Quarterbacks
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