Tommy Hayfield's Predictions, NFL 2011 Week 2: Dallas Vs San Francisco

Dallas vs San Francisco
Week 2
Dallas goes to San Francisco's Candlestick Park in Week 2 in search of its first win...the 'Boys lost a heart breaker to the Jets in week one. They easily could have won that game with more intelligent decisions on offense...Tony Romo threw a pick late in the game that might have cost the 'Boys a chance to put the game away.

Week 1 Opportunities
San Francisco on the other hand just came away with a solid win--apparrently--over the Seattle Seahawks who brought an anemic offense to match the 49ers dim output in Week 1. The Seahawks and the 49ers both failed to throw for 200 yards and the running games were not working at all either, but the 49ers got special teams gold from Tony Ginn, Jr. who returned a punt AND a kickoff for a touchdown within the span of a minute of game clock time...so if you see the score you would think the 49ers had a great offensive game: not so.

The Cowboys in Week 1 had a chance to pull off a big upset against the home-standing New York Jets who began to stumble late in the game and couldn't get even short passes to their skill players...despite the inability of the Jets to efficiently move the ball they got a late interception and added just a few very difficult yards to make the late field goal attempt barely possible...the near 50-yarder went through and the 'Boys were sunk.

The Cowboys are Favored
The Cowboys should win this road game...the Cowboys are road favorites (Cowboys -3) since the 49ers can't yet find offense for 1st-year head coach Jim Harbaugh who played quarterback in college and in the pros. I get the line from Cooper's Pick.com...

The Game by the Numbers
#1 San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith couldn't find offense against a feeble Seattle team in Week 1...he'll need to find some points against Dallas who should put numbers up against San Francisco. Even the injured Dallas secondary will stop San Fran's passing game.

#2 Dallas won't feel the pressure to continuously score to win against the 49ers who have big-play potential, but the big plays might yet again be special teams plays in Week 2. Dallas doesn't have reason to fear keeping up with the 49ers offense.

#3 Dallas special teams will probably give up a big play against the 49ers...it looks as if the NFL lockout has affected special teams effectiveness since there hasn't been time to properly prepare them against those speedy return specialists around the league. There were a lot of big kickoff and punt returns in Week 1. I expect that to continue a few more weeks around the league.

#4 I expect Dallas will score points early and move the ball well against San Francisco putting pressure on the 49ers to throw the ball...they don't have great offensive potential so I think they will lose this game.

#5 If San Fran scores early and establishes a running game they can stay in this one, but I don't see it.

The Prediction
I pick the Cowboys to win (straight up), over 41.5, and to beat the point spread. I pick Dallas (-3) to cover the point spread.

Related Stories
Dallas Success Stories
San Francisco 49er Success Stories
September 2011 NFL Injured Reserve Report

Resources
Cooper's Pick