49ers vs. Cowboys Sunday Night Football highlights: San Francisco steamrolls Dallas

The Week 5 matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers on “Sunday Night Football” was hyped as a battle between two of the best teams in the NFC. Dallas was seeking revenge for two straight postseason losses at the hands of a rival dating back to the 1990s. 

But the Niners used their 42-10 drubbing of the Cowboys to show they are currently playing in a class of their own. The Philadelphia Eagles and the Niners — the matchup of last year’s NFC championship game — are the two remaining unbeatens in the NFL.

Tight end George Kittle caught three passes — all touchdowns — from Brock Purdy, who finished with four passing scores and moved to 10-0 as a starter in the regular season. Kittle’s second touchdown catch of the game was on a trick play that went for 38 yards. 

Christian McCaffrey scored a touchdown in a 14th straight game, tying the record set by Hall of Famer and Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith in 1995. 

Linebacker Fred Warner forced a fumble in the first quarter and later intercepted Dak Prescott, who finished with three interceptions. The Cowboys offense was reliant on Prescott’s arm for any firepower; they were outgained on the ground, 170-57. 

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It was the second-largest defeat during Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy’s tenure. 

The Niners have won 15 straight games in the regular season, which is a franchise record.— Chris Bumbaca

49ers vs. Cowboys highlights

The Niners led 14-0 before the Cowboys got their initial first down of the night and were never really threatened on the way to matching a franchise record with their 15th straight regular-season win and earning their fifth 5-0 start.

49ers vs. Cowboys winners-losers

WINNERS

49ers: The Sunday night game was billed as two of the best teams in the NFC. The showdown ended with a resounded statement made by the 49ers.

The 49ers dominated the Cowboys, especially in the second half, and won in decisive fashion.

Brock Purdy: Purdy was efficient, delivered the ball with accuracy and controlled the offensive side of the football for the 49ers.

Purdy was 17-of-24 passing for 252 yards, he tossed four touchdowns and had no interceptions, resulting in a 144.4 passer rating.

Purdy checked out in the fourth quarter with the game out of hand.

Fred Warner: Playing under the bright lights, Warner displayed why many consider him the best inside linebacker in the NFL. Warner was all over the field on defense and seemingly always around the football. He played a complete game at linebacker.

Warner compiled a team-best eight tackles, one sack, one interception and one forced fumble in the victory.

George Kittle: Kittle’s catch-to-touchdown ratio was perfect Sunday night.

All three of Kittle’s catches resulted in touchdowns. Kittle’s final stat line: three catches, 67 yards and three touchdowns.

Christian McCaffrey: The versatile running back had a modest 78 yards from scrimmage, but he did reach the end zone for the 14th consecutive game (including the playoffs).

LOSERS

Dak Prescott: Prescott had an interception in three straight possessions in the second half. He was eventually subbed out of the game for Cooper Rush when the contest was out of hand. Prescott completed 14-of-24 passes for 153 yards. He had just one touchdown and three interceptions.

Cowboys offense: The Cowboys only had eight first downs. Dallas had as many turnovers (four) as converted third downs (four). They were only able to gain 197 total yards and were held to just three points in the second half during a massive San Francisco scoring streak.

Cowboys defense: The Cowboys came into Week 5 with the second-ranked defense in the NFL, allowing 259 yards per game. Dallas surrendered 421 yards to the 49ers offense. The 49ers scored 21 points in each half. — Tyler Dragon

Painful defeat for Cowboys

The injuries just keep piling up for the Cowboys. Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch suffered a neck injury during the 26-yard touchdown run by Jordan Mason early in the fourth quarter. The sixth-year veteran, who has had neck issues before, lay on the turn for several minutes while being attended to by medical personnel. Ultimately, Vander Esch rose to his feet and walked the the locker room without assistance.

Officially, the team declared that Vander Esch's status was "questionable" to return to the game.

Unofficially, with Mason's touchdown expanding the 49ers lead to 42-10, there is hardly an apparent reason for him to return.

Vander Esch, incidentally, led the Cowboys with 10 tackles (4 solo) when he departed the game. — Jarrett Bell 

Backup QBs have entered the game

A sign this game has really gotten out of hand: both backup quarterbacks have entered. 

For the San Francisco 49ers, Sam Darnold replaced Brock Purdy, who finished 17-of-24 for 252 yards, four touchdowns, no interceptions and a 144.4 rating. 

Cooper Rush – who saw plenty of action early last season in place of Dak Prescott – took over for Prescott on the next Cowboys possession, as head coach Mike McCarthy waived the white flag. — Chris Bumbaca

Dak Prescott throws another interception

It’s now becoming an interception party in the Bay Area.

Dak Prescott’s thrown three interceptions in three straight possessions. The 49ers lead has ballooned to 42-10 with more than 12 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

Prescott’s third interception came on a pass intended for wideout Brandin Cooks, but it was picked off by 49ers linebacker Oren Burks.  — Tyler Dragon

49ers 42, Cowboys 10: Rout is on at Levi's Stadium

The 49ers are pouring it on now. 

On the first play following Fred Warner’s interception, Jordan Mason took a handoff through the left side of the line and all the way to the end zone for a 26-yard touchdown run. He’s up to 59 rushing yards on seven carries. 

San Francisco led 42-10 with 13:59 left in the game.— Chris Bumbaca

Fred Warner continues big game with interception

It’s getting worse for the Cowboys.

Dak Prescott threw another interception on back-to-back possessions. Prescott’s pass was intended for wide receiver Michael Gallup, but the football was tipped up in the air and intercepted by 49ers linebacker Fred Warner.

Warner has eight tackles, one sack, one interception and one forced fumble on the night. — Tyler Dragon

49ers 35, Cowboys 10: Brock Purdy throws his fourth TD pass

Touchdown pass No. 4 of the night for Brock Purdy went to somebody other than George Kittle for a change. 

Purdy faked a handoff to Christian McCaffrey, rolled right and flipped the ball to fullback Kyle Juszczyk to make the highly anticipated prime time contest a blowout. The score capped a 12-play, 62-yard drive that took 6:42 off the clock. 

The Cowboys have 34 rushing yards, while the Niners have produced 114 total yards among three players on the ground. — Chris Bumbaca

49ers cruising after three quarters

Entering Week 5, the Niners had won their first four games of the season by an average of 16.8 points per game – that included a seven-point victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2. 

San Francisco is well on its way to another blowout victory again after three quarters. 

Leading 28-10 after three quarters, the Niners will begin the fourth on the Cowboys’ 1-yard line.— Chris Bumbaca

49ers pick off Dak Prescott

The 49ers are starting to assert their dominance against the Cowboys.

After San Francisco extended its lead, 28-10, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was picked off by safety Tashaun Gipson. Gipson returned Prescott’s interception 26 yards to the San Francisco's 38-yard line.

Prescott’s INT was the Cowboys’ second turnover of the game. — Tyler Dragon

49ers 28, Cowboys 10: George Kittle scores his third TD

The Cowboys entered this matchup with one of the most vaunted defenses in the league. But the 49ers offense continues to impose their will on the unit. Brock Purdy was distributing the ball with ease once again, as he found Brandon Aiyuk for 23 yards and then placed an intermediate pass into Deebo Samuel’s hands for a 43-yard catch-and-run.

The drive ended with George Kittle scoring his third touchdown of the game, a new career high for the tight end. Purdy is 13-of-19 for 216 yards, with all three of his touchdowns going to Kittle. San Francisco led 28-10 with 7:20 left in the third quarter. — Chris Bumbaca

KaVontae Turpin out with ankle injury

More blows for Dallas. KaVontae Turpin, who scored the only Cowboys touchdown on a beautiful, 26-yard over-the-shoulder grab in the second quarter, is out for the remainder of the game with an ankle injury.

And cornerback C.J. Goodwin is also done for the night for Dallas with a shoulder injury. — Jarrett Bell

49ers 21, Cowboys 10: Field goal cuts into lead

The Cowboys got on the board first in the second half with a 50-yard field goal by kicker Brandon Aubrey.

Aubrey’s successful field goal cut the Cowboys deficit, 21-10.

Aubrey’s made all 14 of his field goals to start the regular season.  — Tyler Dragon

Lopsided SNF game through one half of play

Through the first half, the most anticipated matchup of the weekend has been lopsided on the scoreboard and the stat sheet. 

The San Francisco 49ers, in their quest to remain undefeated, jumped out to a 21-7 lead over the Dallas Cowboys (3-1) after 30 minutes. San Francisco outgained Dallas by more than 100 yards and had 14 first down compared to the Cowboys’ four. George Kittle has two catches, both going for scores – the second coming on a 38-yard trick play similar to one the Detroit Lions ran earlier in the day. 

Christian McCaffrey also scored for his 14th straight game with a touchdown, tying Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith for most consecutive games finding the end zone. 

Niners linebacker Fred Warner has six tackles, including one sack and he also forced a fumble in the first quarter.— Chris Bumbaca

Dak Prescott has finger taped

NBC broadcast cameras showed Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott having his right middle finger taped while on the sideline late in the first half. Dallas went three-and-out on the subsequent offensive series just ahead of the two-minute warning. Prescott completed a pair of short passes to tight end Jake Ferguson but the Cowboys had to punt. 

Prescott injured his right hand in the 2022 season opener and missed the next five games. It was unclear what happened to him that required the finger to be taped. The Cowboys had scored on the previous drive, with Prescott throwing an arcing touchdown pass.

Prescott is 10-for-15 with 85 passing yards. — Chris Bumbaca

49ers 21, Cowboys 7: Christian McCaffrey scores TD in 14th straight game

Another week, another Christian McCaffrey touchdown. McCaffrey rushed left and reached pay dirt on a 1-yard touchdown to push San Francisco’s lead to 21-7.

McCaffrey has scored a touchdown in 14 consecutive games (including the playoffs).

The 49ers have 204 yards of total offense late in the second quarter. — Tyler Dragon

49ers 14, Cowboys 7: KaVontae Turpin's sensational catch puts Dallas on scoreboard

Dallas’ offense did not stay quiet for long, as they went 78 yards in 11 plays to cut into the Niners’ lead. Dak Prescott and KaVontae Turpin connected for a 26-yard score after Turpin motioned right across the formation into the slot and then ran toward the front-right pylon. Prescott floated a rainbow-like pass right into Turpin’s outstretched arms, and his momentum took him across the goal line for the score. Tight end Jake Ferguson’s first catch of the game went for 20 yards and brought Dallas into 49ers territory. 

The Cowboys have not managed much on the ground; Tony Pollard has eight rushing yards on four carries. Dallas trailed 14-7 with 7:45 left in the half. — Chris Bumbaca

49ers 14, Cowboys 0: Trick play leads to TD

San Francisco’s offense scored quickly after its defense forced a three-and-out. 

On the very first play of the 49ers’ fifth possession, quarterback Brock Purdy passed deep to tight end George Kittle for a 38-yard touchdown.

Kittle’s touchdown is his second of the evening. He has two catches, 57 yards and two scores. — Tyler Dragon

Just when it seemed the 49ers would score, they fumble it away

Christian McCaffrey returned Tony Pollard's favor with a fumble of his own.

McCaffrey – seeking a touchdown in his 14th straight game – coughed it up inside of the 10-yard line, with Dallas’ Jourdan Lewis recovering. 

Still, the Niners defense stood tall and Fred Warner sacked Prescott on 3rd-and-2. San Francisco had the ball inside of the Dallas 40 following the punt return. — Chris Bumbaca

49ers in control after a quarter of play

After one quarter, the San Francisco 49ers are firmly in control. 

San Francisco had the ball for 12:09. The Cowboys have run seven plays and have yet to cross the first-down marker. Meanwhile, the Niners had eight first downs – two via penalty. 

The Cowboys entered as one of the league’s most-penalized teams, and officials have already thrown the flag four times in their direction. 

Niners quarterback Brock Purdy is 6 of 10 for 58 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown to George Kittle on the opening drive. Receiver Brandon Aiyuk, coming off a career-high 148 receiving yards in Week 4, had two catches for 20 yards.

The play of the quarter was Fred Warner forcing a fumble on Cowboys running back Tony Pollard. 

The second quarter began with the Niners inside the red zone looking to make it a two-possession contest.— Chris Bumbaca

Tony Pollard fumbles as Fred Warner punches out ball

The Cowboys committed the game’s first turnover.

Cowboys running back Tony Pollard was carrying the football and had it punched out by 49ers linebacker Fred Warner. The football bounced on the ground for a moment until 49ers defensive tackle Kevin Givens recovered the loose football before it went out of bounds. — Tyler Dragon

Cowboys offense off to slow start

The Cowboys have yet to convert a first down in their first two possessions.

On third-and-3 Cowboys QB Dak Prescott was sacked by 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa for a 6-yard loss. Bosa’s sack forced Dallas to punt the football back to San Francisco with 6:54 remaining in the first quarter.

The Cowboys have two total yards to start the game. — Tyler Dragon

49ers 7, Cowboys 0: Statement opening drive for San Francisco

The 49ers made a statement on their opening series.

San Francisco went right down the field on a seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that ended on a George Kittle 19-yard TD reception.

Quarterback Brock Purdy went a perfect 4-of-4 passing on the 49ers’ first possession. Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel all had receptions on San Francisco’s opening drive. — Tyler Dragon

What time is Cowboys-49ers? 

The Cowboys and 49ers kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET. The game will air on NBC. The game is also available to stream for free on Fubo.

Cowboys at 49ers: Predictions and picks

Here are the USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:

Lorenzo Reyes: 49ers 31, Cowboys 25 — As much as Dallas has said it remembers the last two times it has faced the Niners, San Francisco is the more balanced and explosive team. Christian McCaffrey’s speed is untouchable and the Cowboys struggled against the rush. Red zone inefficiency is one thing against weaker opponents; the Cowboys can’t leave points on the field against the 49ers.

Tyler Dragon: 49ers 27, Cowboys 20 — This is easily the game of Week 5. The 49ers sent the Cowboys home in the playoffs in each of the past two seasons. San Francisco’s won 14 consecutive regular-season games. The streak won’t end this week. The 49ers are playing like the best team in football.

Victoria Hernandez: 49ers 27, Cowboys 25 — A preview of the NFC championship perhaps? This game is in primetime for a reason. The Dallas defense will pose the toughest challenge yet for the undefeated 49ers. But Christian McCaffrey is on the brink of setting records this season and will power his team to victory.

Jordan Mendoza: 49ers 27, Cowboys 24 — Both teams have elite offenses and defenses, so seeing who can win the battle between the two makes this game must-see TV. It'll be a close game, and I think the offenses will actually expose the defenses a bit, but the 49ers haven't shown any cause for concern this season. San Francisco is rolling, and they get a big win at home to cement themselves as the best team in the NFL.

➤ Full list of USA TODAY's NFL expert Week 5 predictions

Inactive players for 49ers and Cowboys

49ers' inactive players:

• QB Brandon Allen
• OL Nick Zakelj
• DL Kalia Davis
• RB Elijah Mitchell
• TE Brayden Willis
• LB Jalen Graham
• LB Randy Gregory

Cowboys' inactive players:

• QB Trey Lance
• S Israel Mukuamu
• CB Eric Scott
• OL Asim Richards
• WR Jalen Brooks
• TE Peyton Hendershot
• DL Viliami Fehoko

Dak Prescott spices up Cowboys' revenge bid against 49ers 

Leave it to Dak Prescott to provide a bit of spicy theatre to set the stage for the Sunday night showdown between the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers. 

I mean, who else? 

The highly scrutinized Cowboys quarterback certainly had a downright salty response following last Sunday’s blowout win against the New England Patriots, asked about his motivation for a rematch against the rival that eliminated Dallas from the playoffs in each of the past two seasons. It was all internal. 

"I mean, you just want to (tick) me off going into the week," Prescott said to a reporter who pressed on the theme, mindful of the two interceptions that the quarterback threw in the divisional playoff loss at San Francisco in January. "I appreciate that. I do. Actually, I do." 

Read Jarrett Bell’s complete notebook here. 

Micah Parsons was scary-good on offense in high school

Before Micah Parsons became one of the NFL’s best players, he was a nightmare matchup for central Pennsylvania high school coaches. 

As a running back. And kicker. And return man. And, obviously, a defensive end/linebacker. 

At Central Dauphin and Harrisburg, the two high schools where Parsons played, he did it all. It's no wonder, then, that the Dallas Cowboys’ star pass rusher has lobbied for opportunities on the other side of the ball. 

"He could do it all on offense," said Mick Vecchio, the now-retired former head coach of Governor Mifflin, the team that knocked Parsons’ Harrisburg squad out of the Pennsylvania 6A playoffs in 2017, his senior year. "He would run around us, and he would run over you. The combination of the two, just unbelievable. 

"He was a monster among boys." 

Read Chris Bumbaca’s full feature here. 

Truly unforgettable 49ers vs. Cowboys moments

The Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers  are two historic franchises with 10 combined Super Bowl wins, and even more bad blood, between them.

These teams have faced each other 39 times, and their all-time head-to-head record (including playoff games) is 19-19-1. For an eight-season stretch from 1988 to 1995, the 49ers and Cowboys combined to win six Super Bowls. They've met in the postseason a record nine times, with the Cowboys holding a 5-4 record in those pivotal meetings.

This rivalry is about as close as it gets from an all-time standpoint. Here are some of the best moments.

Cowboys at 49ers odds 

Highlighting Sunday Night Football odds, the San Francisco 49ers are among the best bets for NFL Week 5 as home favorites against the Dallas. The 49ers are favored by 3.5 points, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023. 

According to the top NFL betting apps, 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (+1400) boasts some of the best NFL MVP betting odds in 2023. Both teams have some of the best early Super Bowl betting odds. 

Not interested in this game? Our guide to the NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered with Thursday Night Football odds, Sunday Night Football odds and more. 

 If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. We have tips for beginners on how to place bet online. And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the online sportsbooks and sports betting sites. — Richard Morin 

All odds provided by BetMGM

Who are the highest paid NFL players at each position? 

We have a complete list at every position: 

• Quarterbacks 
• Running back 
• Receivers 
• Tight ends 
• Offensive tackles 
• Offensive guards 
• Centers 
• Edge rushers 
• Interior defensive linemen 
• Linebackers 
• Cornerbacks 
• Safeties 
• Kickers 
• Punters 

How much does the average NFL ticket cost? 

The average price of a 2023 NFL ticket is $377, according to TicketSmarter data. It’s a major jump from last season, when the average price was $235. Leading the NFL in ticket costs is the Las Vegas Raiders, which has an average cost of $582 per ticket. Behind the Raiders are the Super Bowl 57 contestants: the Kansas City Chiefs at $578 and Philadelphia Eagles at $559. Here are the five highest ticket averages:  

• Las Vegas Raiders: $582 
• Kansas City Chiefs: $578 
• Philadelphia Eagles: $559 
• Dallas Cowboys: $545 
• New England Patriots: $534 

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Atlanta Falcons have the cheapest average price at $225. They are followed by the Houston Texans ($236) and Arizona Cardinals ($250). Here are the lowest five ticket averages: 

• Atlanta Falcons: $225 
• Houston Texans: $236 
• Arizona Cardinals: $250 
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $263 
• Tennessee Titans: $265 

— Jordan Mendoza 

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