In the top game of the 5th NFL matchday, the Dallas Cowboys take on the San Francisco 49ers. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has high praise for the opponent in the run-up to the game.

It is a rivalry that has been going on since the 1980s. The San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys dominated not only the NFC but the entire NFL before the introduction of the salary cap.

This rivalry has also been revived in the recent past, especially in the playoffs. In both 2021 and 2022, the Cowboys failed to make a playoff run against the 49ers. Twice with highly questionable playcalling at the end.

However, ahead of the 40th meeting between the two teams, Jerry Jones, the long-time owner of the Cowboys, was unusually modest.

Dallas Cowboys: Jones slams 49ers as favourites

In a broadcast on local radio in Dallas, he said the road to the Super Bowl was “all through them”. “As of right now, they’re the most likely to go to the Super Bowl,” he praised the NFC rival.

“In the end, it’s simple: to be the best, you have to beat the best. We’ll see how we do,” Jones said, expressing confidence. “I think physically we can keep up with them. “However, the 80-year-old did not want to keep his own team small. “To get to the Super Bowl, they’ve got to get past us first,” he touted.

Dallas Cowboys: Jones smiles away offensive problems

The 38-3 victory over the New England Patriots conceals the problems that continue to prevail in the Cowboys’ offence. Especially the so-called Red Zone Efficiency remains a problem. The Dallas team only scored a touchdown on 37 percent of its trips to the opposing 20-yard line. Only the Houston Texans and New Orleans Saints are weaker in the league.

Jones, however, didn’t want to hear about that. “Honestly, I’ve never felt this good about our offence this season,” the billionaire said.

A win against the previously unbeaten 49ers would be “inspiring for all of us”. Kickoff for the game is Monday night at 2:15 a.m. German time.