The Legendary NFL Rivalry Between the 49ers and Cowboys

The Rivalry Between the 49ers and Cowboys

The San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys are two of the most iconic franchises in NFL history. Their rivalry goes back decades and features some of the most memorable games and playoff matchups in league history.

Any time these two NFC powerhouses face off, it's must-see TV. Even in the regular season, 49ers vs Cowboys games have an intensity and excitement level usually reserved for the playoffs. When they do meet in the postseason, the rivalry hits an even higher level.

Origins of the 49ers vs Cowboys Rivalry

The 49ers and Cowboys have been division rivals since the Cowboys joined the NFL in 1960. Prior to that, the 49ers had already established themselves as one of the league's premier teams in the 1950s.

San Francisco and Dallas first faced off in 1961 and played several closely contested games throughout the 60s. But the rivalry really took off in the 1970s when both teams became perennial Super Bowl contenders.

During the 70s, the Cowboys and 49ers won a combined seven NFC championships. They also faced off in two epic NFC title games in 1970 and 1971, with Dallas coming out on top both times.

The 80s saw the 49ers emerge as the dominant team of the decade behind Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. This time it was San Francisco that was the thorn in Dallas' side, knocking them out of the playoffs three straight years from 1981-1983.

But the Cowboys got revenge in the 90s, ending the 49ers' quest for a Super Bowl three-peat in the 1992 NFC title game. Dallas then became the team of the 90s, led by Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith.

So while the 70s and 80s belonged to the 49ers and the 90s to the Cowboys, both franchises remained elite and kept the rivalry going strong for over two decades.

Famous 49ers vs Cowboys Playoff Games

With all the playoff meetings between the 49ers and Cowboys, there are countless unforgettable games that helped grow the rivalry.

There was "The Catch" in the 1981 NFC Championship, featuring Joe Montana's famous game-winning TD pass to Dwight Clark to lift San Francisco to its first Super Bowl. This game is simply known as one of the most iconic in NFL history.

Then there was the 1994 NFC Championship, which saw the 49ers rally from 21 down to beat the Cowboys 38-28 in Dallas. This game is remembered for Steve Young emerging from Joe Montana's shadow to lead San Francisco back to the Super Bowl.

The 1992 NFC title game saw the Cowboys end the 49ers' hopes for a three-peat and establish themselves as the new dominant force in the NFC.

And the 1971 and 1970 NFC Championships both came down to the final plays, with Dallas eking out wins to reach the Super Bowl over their heated rivals.

Whenever these two franchises have faced off in the playoffs, NFL fans know they are in for an intense, dramatic battle usually decided in the game's final minutes.

49ers vs Cowboys in 2023 and Beyond

The 49ers vs Cowboys rivalry has been a bit dormant in recent seasons. The two teams have not faced off in the playoffs since the mid 90s during Dallas' dynasty run.

But the rivalry could very well be reignited in 2023. Both teams remain among the NFC's elite and are likely headed for the playoffs this season.

Behind Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs, the Cowboys remain serious Super Bowl contenders. Dallas won the NFC East last season and will look to make a deeper playoff run this year.

Meanwhile, the 49ers fell just short in last year's NFC title game. But with players like Deebo Samuel, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner and Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco feels it has the pieces to get over the hump.

So there is a strong chance the 49ers and Cowboys will meet again in the 2023 playoffs. The NFC Championship Game in Philadelphia is a potential landing spot for this long-time rivalry.

49ers vs Cowboys remains one of the signature matchups in the NFL. When they collide in high-stakes games, fireworks follow. The sports world will be buzzing if they clash again with a Super Bowl trip on the line.

Why the Cowboys Will Lose to the 49ers

As mentioned above, the Cowboys have the talent to make a playoff run in 2023. But if they do end up facing the 49ers, Dallas will likely once again end up on the losing end.

Here are three reasons why the Cowboys will get eliminated by the 49ers if they meet in the playoffs:

1. Injuries - Dallas has struggled to stay healthy the past couple seasons. Already players like Tyron Smith, James Washington and Kelvin Joseph are battling injuries. If the injury bug hits the Cowboys in the playoffs, they will be severely short-handed.

2. Playoff Inexperience - Despite all their talent, most of Dallas' key players lack playoff experience. The 49ers have a much more battle-tested roster when it comes to the postseason. This gives San Francisco a decisive edge in a high-pressure playoff atmosphere.

3. QB Play - While Dak Prescott puts up impressive regular season numbers, he still has a lot to prove in the playoffs. Jimmy Garoppolo has shown a knack for stepping up in big postseason moments. This difference at QB could be decisive if these teams meet with a Super Bowl berth on the line.

The Cowboys absolutely have the ability to break through and finally make a deep playoff run. But based on recent history and current roster strengths, the 49ers seem to hold a clear advantage over their long-time rivals.

Expect San Francisco to once again be the thorn in Dallas' side if these two juggernauts clash for a spot in the NFC Championship.

Key Takeaways

• The 49ers vs Cowboys is one of the NFL's most iconic and long-standing rivalries, dating back to the 60s.
• These franchises have met in epic playoff battles over the decades, creating many unforgettable moments.
• The rivalry could be reignited in 2023 if San Francisco and Dallas meet again in the playoffs.
• Based on injuries, playoff experience and QB play, the 49ers appear poised to eliminate the Cowboys if the rivals clash again.

FAQs

When did the 49ers and Cowboys rivalry begin?

The 49ers vs Cowboys rivalry began in the 1960s when the Cowboys joined the NFL. But it really took off in the 1970s as both teams became perennial playoff and Super Bowl contenders.

Which team has had more success head-to-head?

Historically, the 49ers have had more success against the Cowboys, especially come playoff time. San Francisco knocked Dallas out of the playoffs four straight years in the 1980s and also defeated them in the 1994 NFC Championship.

What are some of the most memorable 49ers vs Cowboys games?

Some of the most memorable games include the 1981 NFC Championship ("The Catch" game), the 1992 NFC Championship (Cowboys end 49ers three-peat hopes), the 1994 NFC Championship (49ers come back to go to Super Bowl), and both the 1970 and 1971 NFC Championship games.

Could the teams meet in the 2023 playoffs?

Yes, with both teams among the top contenders in the NFC again this season, there is a good chance the 49ers and Cowboys will meet in the 2023 playoffs and rekindle their storied rivalry.

Who has the edge if they do meet in 2023?

Based on recent playoff experience and overall roster strength, the 49ers would likely have the edge over the Cowboys and be favored to eliminate Dallas once again.