Instead, the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers are teams struggling in equal measure due to circumstance and genuine weaknesses. The question is, as both look to turn their seasons around and turn them around fast, who can keep their head above water to Week 9? The Dallas Morning News’ columnists and beat writers make their predictions:

The San Francisco 49ers will go into their Week 8 showdown with the Dallas Cowboys in desperate need of a win. San Francisco’s schedule gives them an opportunity to make a playoff run if they can enter their Week 9 Bye with a 4-4 record.

The Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers entered the season as top contenders in the NFC following three straight double-digit win seasons and playoff appearances for both franchises. The 2024 campaign hasn't exactly gone to plan for both teams so far with injuries and spotty play leaving both with major questions headed into their game on Sunday.