However, both teams are not yet at the same level as their competitors at this point in the season. The 49ers have been plagued by injuries throughout the season, with the latest blow suffered by their wide receiver corps. Brandon Aiyuk will miss the rest of the season with a serious knee injury, while Deebo Samuel was hospitalized with pneumonia.

The Cowboys have dealt with a slew of injuries, but their problems go beyond who isn’t on the field. Head coach Mike McCarthy has drawn the ire of Dallas fans this season as the team, particularly its defense, hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. Entering Week 8, the Cowboys field a 31st-ranked scoring defense, which creates major problems for McCarthy and new Dallas defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.

Now, after a bye week, fans and analysts alike will see whether the time off was beneficial to Dallas’ playoff push or whether the badly injured 49ers can capitalize on a shaky Cowboys team on national television.