The wildest of the wild-card action occurred for the most part in the three AFC matchups a week ago, but that’s not to say the NFC lacked intrigue. The 49ers handled business against Seattle, while the Cowboys earned a road victory over Tom Brady and the Buccaneersto reach the Divisional Round.
The NFC East is guaranteed to have a representative in the NFC Championship next week because for the first time in more than two decades we had three teams from the same division advance to the conference semifinals in the same year.
Sunday's game features a throwback to an iconic playoff rivalry from the early 1990s as two storied franchises look to book their ticket to Philadelphia.
Here’s a closer look at the final NFC Divisional Round game.
COWBOYS (5) @ 49ERS (2) | Sunday 6:30 p.m. ET
Between how well Dak Prescott played against Tampa Bay and how dominant the 49ers have been since late October, the final matchup of the weekend has the potential to be perhaps the best game of the Divisional Round.
How San Francisco got here: Brock Purdy became the youngest player in NFL playoff history with 300 passing yards and three touchdowns in a game in San Francisco’s 41-23 win over Seattle in the wild-card round. He also ran one in for good measure. While the seventh-round rookie sensation has helped keep the 49ers undefeated the past three months, he isn’t the main reason why this team poses a threat to make it all the way through the NFC and win it all. The combination of size, speed, skill and tenacity at all other positions on offence is intimidating for opposing defences -- and that doesn't even mention the 49ers imposing defensive unit.
Storyline to watch: Brett Maher’s place-kicking yips
Last week the Cowboys kicker became the first player to miss four, yes FOUR, extra points in the same regular- or post-season game in more than 90 years since the stat was first recorded. This could end up being a competitive matchup Sunday with betting lines projecting this game to have the closest final score of the weekend. Dallas was so far ahead of the Bucs that Maher’s missed kicks were ultimately moot but let’s say it’s late in the game and Dallas must decide to go for it on fourth and short or attempt a field goal. How much hesitation will there be in those types of situations, and could it impact how frequently the Cowboys attempt two-point conversions if and when they get into the end zone?
Matchup to watch: Dak vs. the 49ers pass defence
It won’t be at all shocking if Dallas struggles to run the ball, and in that case there’ll be more pressure on the QB. Prescott became the first QB in Cowboys history to score five total touchdowns in a playoff game. He also snapped a streak of seven consecutive weeks throwing at least one interception. A Nick Bosa-led 49ers defence, despite allowing more than 22 points per game on average over the past four outings, will be a much tougher challenge for Dallas than Tampa Bay was last week. They allowed the second fewest rushing yards per play this season. If Dak can’t beat them deep with his arm it could make for a frustrating four quarters.
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