The Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers entered the 2024 NFL season with high expectations, positioning themselves as strong contenders for the NFC representation in Super Bowl LIX. However, the season has unfolded in a manner that neither team anticipated. Following a surprising upset by the Washington Commanders, who defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 36-33, both the Cowboys and 49ers have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. Early-season outcomes have also contributed to the early exits of other teams, such as the Arizona Cardinals and New Orleans Saints.

As it stands, the playoff picture has now shifted significantly. The AFC boasts teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, both of whom have clinched their respective divisions. The Chiefs hold a bye week at 14-1, while the Bills follow closely at 11-3. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans have also secured playoff positions, making it a competitive landscape as the regular season comes to a close. In the NFC, the Detroit Lions lead with a 13-2 record, having clinched a playoff berth, with the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings also solidifying their spots in the postseason.

For both the 49ers and Cowboys, a season filled with injuries and setbacks has been a common narrative. The 49ers, who were the reigning NFC champions, faced challenges early on when star running back Christian McCaffrey was sidelined for the first eight games owing to Achilles tendonitis. Although he made a return in Week 10, a subsequent PCL injury left him unavailable for the remainder of the season. Compounding the issue, key players like quarterback Brock Purdy and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk also faced injuries, contributing to a disappointing season. The Cowboys experienced a similarly tumultuous journey, marked by the hamstring injury of quarterback Dak Prescott in Week 9, which necessitated season-ending surgery. This left Cooper Rush to fill the void, but he struggled to uplift the team from an early deficit. Both franchises will be focused on how to revitalize their strategies in the offseason as they aim to return to contention in 2025.