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Cowboys vs. 49ers: 5 Bold Week 4 Predictions for San Francisco

By Peter Panacy

August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Andrew Gachkar (52) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Andrew Gachkar (52) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) before an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) before an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: QB Blaine Gabbert Will Throw for 250 Yards and Two Touchdowns

OK, so this is way too bold, right?

Perhaps. Heck, fans would probably be happy with another 170-yard passing effort from quarterback Blaine Gabbert, which is what he did in Week 1 against the Rams.

We know Gabbert has been bad this season. He’s completing just 55.2 percent of his passes and is ranked No. 33 out of 34 qualifying QBs, according to Pro Football Focus. It’s a rough start for San Francisco’s No. 1 signal-caller.

And here’s why he’ll have a better game Sunday.

As noted on the previous slide, the Cowboys pass defense is nothing like those of the Panthers and Seahawks. Pressure hasn’t exactly been good either. Dallas is ranked No. 24 with just four sacks on the season.

So this should mean Gabbert has time, right?

A lot of any potential quarterbacking success will be predicated off the running game. And if Carlos Hyde manages to get things going, Gabbert’s numbers should increase too.

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For the kicker, Gabbert has to know he’s playing with his back up against the wall. Three sub-par games to start 2016 haven’t exactly been a good look.

So Week 4 might be his last chance to prove he’s worth keeping in the starter’s stead.

Next: Cowboys vs. 49ers: Previewing Week 4 for San Francisco

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of ESPN.com, Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.