Rematch Ready? Analyzing the 49ers-Cowboys Playoff History and 2025 Super Bowl Potential

The echoes of past battles resonate as we look towards the 2025 NFL season. Few rivalries in NFL history ignite the same passion and intensity as the San Francisco 49ers versus the Dallas Cowboys. With a combined 10 Super Bowl victories between them, their clashes have defined eras and created unforgettable moments. As Super Bowl LX approaches at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, could we be on the verge of witnessing another chapter in this storied rivalry, this time with a Super Bowl berth on the line?

A Playoff History Etched in Stone

The Cowboys and 49ers have met nine times in the playoffs, with Dallas holding a 5-4 edge. Their playoff encounters are the stuff of legends:

The ’70s Domination: Dallas reigned supreme in the early years, defeating San Francisco in the 1970 and 1971 NFC Championship games, and again in the 1972 NFC Divisional Playoff.
“The Catch”: The 1981 NFC Championship is immortalized by Joe Montana’s miraculous pass to Dwight Clark, propelling the 49ers to their first Super Bowl victory.
The ’90s Trilogy: From 1992-1994, these teams met in three consecutive NFC Championship games. The Cowboys won in ’92 and ’93, while the 49ers triumphed in ’94, with both teams securing Super Bowl rings during this period.
Recent Encounters: The 49ers have won the two most recent playoff meetings, including a 23-17 victory in the 2021 Wild Card round and a 19-12 win in the 2022 NFC Divisional round.

This history fuels the anticipation every time these teams face off, and the potential for a Super Bowl showdown in 2025 adds another layer of intrigue.

49ers Aim to Rebound

The San Francisco 49ers are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 6-11 season in 2024. According to Sports Illustrated, the 49ers enter the 2025 offseason with +1400 odds to win Super Bowl 60, which are the sixth-best odds in the NFL. Despite the departures of key players like Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and Deebo Samuel, the 49ers have been active in free agency, signing quarterback Mac Jones, tight end Luke Farrell, and others to bolster their roster. Key players like Nick Bosa, George Kittle, and Fred Warner were selected to the 2025 Pro Bowl Games, indicating the team still possesses top-tier talent. One player poised to step up is safety Malik Mustapha, who had a promising rookie season in 2024.

Cowboys Seek to End the Drought

The Dallas Cowboys are desperate to end their Super Bowl drought, which dates back to 1996. However, oddsmakers aren’t optimistic about their chances in 2025, giving them +6500 odds to win Super Bowl LX, tied for 20th-best in the league. The Cowboys finished the 2024 season with a 7-10 record and missed the playoffs. Despite having talented players like Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys need to improve their defense and find more consistency on offense to contend for a Super Bowl title. One potential free-agent target for the Cowboys was linebacker Dre Greenlaw, but he ultimately signed with the Denver Broncos.

Super Bowl LX: A Realistic Possibility?

While both teams face challenges, a 49ers-Cowboys Super Bowl matchup isn’t out of the question.

49ers’ Path: The 49ers have a favorable schedule in 2025, facing only four games against 2024 playoff teams. If Brock Purdy can continue his development and the new additions gel with the existing core, the 49ers could return to contender status.
Cowboys’ Road: The Cowboys need to address their defensive issues and find more offensive firepower. If they can make the right moves in the draft and free agency, and if Dak Prescott can elevate his game, the Cowboys could surprise some people.

Key Players to Watch

49ers: Brock Purdy (QB), Christian McCaffrey (RB), George Kittle (TE), Nick Bosa (DE), Fred Warner (LB), Malik Mustapha (S)
Cowboys: Dak Prescott (QB), CeeDee Lamb (WR), Micah Parsons (LB)

Expert Predictions

While it’s still early, some experts have weighed in on the 2025 NFL playoff picture. Colin Cowherd of Fox Sports predicts the Eagles, Lions, Falcons, and Rams to win their respective divisions, with the Commanders, Bears, and Seahawks earning wild card spots in the NFC.

Conclusion

The 49ers-Cowboys rivalry is one of the most compelling in NFL history. As both teams look to build towards the 2025 season, the possibility of a Super Bowl LX showdown looms large. Whether it’s the 49ers’ quest to reclaim their dominance or the Cowboys’ hunger to end their championship drought, the potential for another epic chapter in this rivalry is undeniable.