Microsoft has added 6 games to Xbox Video game Move and Xbox Recreation Move Supreme, five of which are readily available on all three variations of the subscription service: cloud, console, and Laptop. In the meantime, a person of these games is truly three video games in one particular, which means technically Xbox Match Go subscribers have 8 new video games to appreciate, four of which are manufacturer new releases that just released currently, aka they are working day one Xbox Recreation Go releases.
None of the new additions are from Xbox itself, so they are only non permanent additions. That said, how short-term, we you should not know. Xbox would not present any form of info pertaining to how long any sport down below is accessible through the subscription support. As extensive as each match is out there by using the membership service while, it’s also offered to purchase, for subscribers, with a 20 p.c low cost.
Underneath, you can go through more about each individual match and check out out a trailer for every single video game as effectively:
Rainbow Six Extraction: “For decades, Staff Rainbow has been the protect in opposition to the worst world threats conceivable. Now, we facial area the best terror however: a lethal, mutating alien parasite.”
Windjammers 2: “The greatest flying disc sport of all time is back! With remarkable hand-drawn graphics, crazy new moves, gameplay mechanics, and brilliant new characters and phases, Windjammers 2 is the sequel you’ve been dreaming of.”
Hitman Trilogy: “Get obtain to all 3 online games in the World of Assassination trilogy. Embark on a globetrotting adventure and turn out to be Agent 47 in the ultimate spy-thriller story throughout a lot more than 20 spots. Unleash your creative imagination, monitor down your targets and enjoy unparalleled flexibility of preference in meticulously in-depth sandbox spots all over the world.”
Death’s Door: “Reaping souls of the dead and punching a clock may possibly get monotonous but it can be genuine do the job for a Crow. The job receives energetic when your assigned soul is stolen and you need to track down a determined thief to a realm untouched by loss of life – in which creatures develop considerably earlier their expiry.”
Pupperazi: ” Place your appreciate for pups to the check – we have a bunch of pet dogs that require their pictures taken, doggone it! Photograph and catalogue the very best (and derpiest) canine to establish your profession, update your digital camera, and find new canines. WOOF.”
Rainbow Six Siege (Personal computer): “Grasp the art of destruction and gadgetry in Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege. Facial area powerful shut quarters beat, superior lethality, tactical conclusion earning, staff perform and explosive motion in each and every second. Expertise a new period of fierce firefights and qualified method born from the rich legacy of earlier Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six game titles.”
Video game enthusiasts and field personnel walk in between the Microsoft Xbox and Sony PlayStation reveals at the E3 trade demonstrate on June 16, 2015 in Los Angeles, California.
Christian Petersen | Getty Photographs
Sony shares fell a lot more than 12{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} in Tokyo on Wednesday just after Microsoft announced plans to invest in Activision. Sony Group stock moved 5{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} lower in Wednesday’s U.S. trading session soon after declining 7{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} on Tuesday.
Investors possible fear rising level of competition to Sony’s PlayStation division as properly as the opportunity for Microsoft to pull some well known online games from the Japanese leisure giant’s platforms.
For some time, Sony has been in advance of Microsoft with its portfolio of initially-party online games, allowing for it to continue to be in advance in the console wars. But should really Microsoft close the acquisition of Activision, it will have a solid portfolio of hit online games from the Phone of Obligation franchise to Entire world of Warcraft.
That material can enable electrical power Microsoft’s membership system around Sport Move, a pay out-monthly provider that lets buyers to entry a library of game titles across unique products. It is a rival to Sony’s “PlayStation In addition” and “PlayStation Now” companies.
When console makers very own the gaming studio, they normally make individuals online games special to their platforms. Game titles like Contact of Responsibility are now readily available on both equally PlayStation and Xbox.
But investors concern Microsoft could acquire these game titles off of PlayStation’s platforms, supplying the U.S. organization much more appealing material to rival Sony.
“There is no doubt that this offer weakens Sony posture in the current market,” Piers Harding-Rolls, video games analysis director at Ampere Investigation, explained in a note posted Wednesday.
“No matter if or not Activision Blizzard’s material is progressively made unique to Xbox platforms and solutions, inclusion of new releases into Xbox Match Go for a number of key video games franchises, including Call of Obligation, will undermine Sony’s 3rd-social gathering business. Sony has benefitted from the potential to negotiate timed unique information for Call of Duty but this is now less than threat.”
Overreaction?
Sony has been investing seriously in to start with-bash special articles for some several years which has allowed it to carry exclusive hit game titles these as Spider-Man and The Last of Us to the PlayStation.
Serkan Toto, CEO of Tokyo, Japan-based consultancy Kantan Games, mentioned Sony will possible proceed to concentration on sturdy material.
“Sony will continue to keep on to thrust out blockbusters, there can be no doubt about that,” Toto mentioned.
“I feel the market place has entirely overreacted in Japan now,” he included.
Sony by itself is no stranger to acquisitions albeit nowhere around the dimensions of Microsoft. Past yr, the Japanese business swallowed up a handful of modest studios which include Valkyrie Enjoyment, the maker of strike match God of War. Toto claimed Sony will probably hunt for even further acquisitions.
“Sony can of training course combat back: they still have their possess top rated in-property studios distribute about the entire world, PlayStation stays a potent brand in gaming, and acquisitions are in the cards for Sony as effectively,” he reported.
Microsoft has agreed to obtain movie game maker Activision Blizzard for $75bn in the biggest-at any time offer by the tech enterprise.
Beneath the terms of the all-money deal, Microsoft will spend shareholders of the enterprise guiding Get in touch with of Obligation and Environment of Warcraft $95 for every share, a 45 for each cent high quality on the closing value past week.
The $75bn order selling price features Activision’s $6.37bn of web dollars, valuing the enterprise at $68.7bn.
It is the most current in a wave of dealmaking in the gaming sector. Choose-Two Interactive, the maker of the well known Grand Theft Auto sport series, agreed previous week to buy rival Zynga, the maker of FarmVille and Text with Mates, for $12.7bn.
The movie game sector has taken centre phase in the latest scramble for dominance in digital leisure. Microsoft said the Activision invest in would ability its shift into the metaverse, the title presented to the immersive virtual worlds that the huge tech organizations are racing to create.
“Gaming is the most dynamic and fascinating class in leisure throughout all platforms right now and will participate in a crucial function in the growth of metaverse platforms,” said Satya Nadella, chair and chief govt of Microsoft.
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The go is Nadella’s largest guess because becoming appointed main in 2014. Microsoft is the world’s premier application team but the Activision offer will make it the 3rd-most important gaming business in conditions of revenues, behind only China’s Tencent and Japan’s Sony.
Nadella stated the big on the net achieve of Activision and Microsoft would give the combined group a head-begin in making on the net communities all around gaming that would sooner or later arrive at billions of individuals.
The 400m monthly people of Activision online games these kinds of as Candy Crush, alongside with the 25m subscribers for Microsoft’s subscription online games company Sport Pass, would give the business “one of the biggest and most engaged communities in all of entertainment”, he explained.
The information despatched shares in other major movie recreation publishers sharply higher on anticipations of extra discounts in the sector. Digital Arts, whose titles consist of the Fifa and Madden sports activities franchises, rose more than 5 for each cent, when Ubisoft, maker of Assassin’s Creed, rose 8 for each cent.
Microsoft swooped right after Activision’s shares experienced fallen pretty much 30 for every cent since a lawsuit was filed from the business in July, alleging prevalent sexual harassment and gender shell out troubles.
As Microsoft’s stock has soared less than Nadella’s tenure, filings showed that he has designed a stake worth about $255m even after he sold about half his shares in late November, elevating $285m.
Bobby Kotick, Activision Blizzard’s main government, owns shares in the gaming business worthy of more than $370m at the value of Microsoft’s proposed takeover.
Kotick’s $155m pay out package deal for 2020, which made him 1 of the greatest-paid out executives in the US, prompted protests from some traders in June.
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Kotick has admitted that the company’s original responses to allegations of harassment have been “tone deaf”.
It is uncertain Kotick will remain chief executive at the firm for incredibly prolonged right after the deal closes. Microsoft said its head of gaming would have accountability for the organization when the offer is approved and resources acquainted with the transaction pointed out that it would be remarkably unusual for a longtime main government to remain at the put together business outside of an interim period.
“We, like numerous companies, have had culture improvement opportunities,” Kotick informed the Fiscal Periods on Tuesday. “We moved with pace and unlimited sources to alter the place of work tradition,” he claimed, introducing: “It’s continual work”.
The enterprise fired 20 workforce in October as element of an exertion to cleanse up its society subsequent the allegations of harassment and gender-centered discrimination.
Kotick mentioned Activision was no for a longer time major ample on its individual to contend in opposition to top gaming providers these kinds of as Tencent and Sony and a host of opportunity deep-pocketed rivals which includes Apple, Google, Amazon and Netflix.
“We realised there are a good deal of types of engineering and expertise that we desired accessibility to that we did not have and couldn’t develop speedy ample,” he explained naming function-designed cloud platforms for streaming gaming or cyber stability software package to defend players’ data.
Activision shares ended up up 37 for every cent in premarket trading right after the offer was introduced. The business stated that with the functions trying to find regulatory acceptance, a offer was envisioned to shut just after June
With regards to opportunity antitrust scrutiny of a offer that will blend two main gaming companies, Kotick said there has “never been extra opposition than there is today . . . that’s a massive crucial motivator at the rear of this transaction”.
This post has been amended considering that initial publication to reflect the equity price of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision.
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Legendary games, immersive interactive entertainment and publishing expertise accelerate growth in Microsoft’s Gaming business across mobile, PC, console and cloud.
Microsoft announced plans to acquire Activision Blizzard, a leader in game development and an interactive entertainment content publisher. The planned acquisition includes iconic franchises from the Activision, Blizzard and King studios like “Warcraft,” “Diablo,” “Overwatch,” “Call of Duty” and “Candy Crush.”
REDMOND, Wash. and Santa Monica, Calif. – Jan. 18, 2022– With three billion people actively playing games today, and fueled by a new generation steeped in the joys of interactive entertainment, gaming is now the largest and fastest-growing form of entertainment. Today, Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) announced plans to acquire Activision Blizzard Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), a leader in game development and interactive entertainment content publisher. This acquisition will accelerate the growth in Microsoft’s gaming business across mobile, PC, console and cloud and will provide building blocks for the metaverse.
Microsoft will acquire Activision Blizzard for $95.00 per share, in an all-cash transaction valued at $68.7 billion, inclusive of Activision Blizzard’s net cash. When the transaction closes, Microsoft will become the world’s third-largest gaming company by revenue, behind Tencent and Sony. The planned acquisition includes iconic franchises from the Activision, Blizzard and King studios like “Warcraft,” “Diablo,” “Overwatch,” “Call of Duty” and “Candy Crush,” in addition to global eSports activities through Major League Gaming. The company has studios around the world with nearly 10,000 employees.
Bobby Kotick will continue to serve as CEO of Activision Blizzard, and he and his team will maintain their focus on driving efforts to further strengthen the company’s culture and accelerate business growth. Once the deal closes, the Activision Blizzard business will report to Phil Spencer, CEO, Microsoft Gaming.
“Gaming is the most dynamic and exciting category in entertainment across all platforms today and will play a key role in the development of metaverse platforms,” said Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO, Microsoft. “We’re investing deeply in world-class content, community and the cloud to usher in a new era of gaming that puts players and creators first and makes gaming safe, inclusive and accessible to all.”
“Players everywhere love Activision Blizzard games, and we believe the creative teams have their best work in front of them,” said Phil Spencer, CEO, Microsoft Gaming. “Together we will build a future where people can play the games they want, virtually anywhere they want.”
“For more than 30 years our incredibly talented teams have created some of the most successful games,” said Bobby Kotick, CEO, Activision Blizzard. “The combination of Activision Blizzard’s world-class talent and extraordinary franchises with Microsoft’s technology, distribution, access to talent, ambitious vision and shared commitment to gaming and inclusion will help ensure our continued success in an increasingly competitive industry.”
Mobile is the largest segment in gaming, with nearly 95{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of all players globally enjoying games on mobile. Through great teams and great technology, Microsoft and Activision Blizzard will empower players to enjoy the most-immersive franchises, like “Halo” and “Warcraft,” virtually anywhere they want. And with games like “Candy Crush,” Activision Blizzard´s mobile business represents a significant presence and opportunity for Microsoft in this fast-growing segment.
The acquisition also bolsters Microsoft’s Game Pass portfolio with plans to launch Activision Blizzard games into Game Pass, which has reached a new milestone of over 25 million subscribers. With Activision Blizzard’s nearly 400 million monthly active players in 190 countries and three billion-dollar franchises, this acquisition will make Game Pass one of the most compelling and diverse lineups of gaming content in the industry. Upon close, Microsoft will have 30 internal game development studios, along with additional publishing and esports production capabilities.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and completion of regulatory review and Activision Blizzard’s shareholder approval. The deal is expected to close in fiscal year 2023 and will be accretive to non-GAAP earnings per share upon close. The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both Microsoft and Activision Blizzard.
Advisors Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as financial advisor to Microsoft and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is serving as legal counsel. Allen & Company LLC is acting as financial advisor to Activision Blizzard and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is serving as legal counsel.
Webcast details
Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella; Bobby Kotick, CEO, Activision Blizzard; CEO, Microsoft Gaming, Phil Spencer; and Microsoft Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood will host a webcast for investors and media on Jan. 18, 2022, at 6 a.m. Pacific time/9 a.m. Eastern time regarding this transaction.
There will be a recording of the conference call available shortly after the call until Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, at 5 p.m. Pacific time. To access that recording:
S.: (877) 660-6853
International: +1 (201) 612-7415
Conference ID: 13726291
For more information, please visit the blog post from Phil Spencer, CEO, Microsoft Gaming. Related imagery is also available. For broadcast quality b-roll and audio, please contact [email protected]
Fast facts on gaming
The $200+ billion gaming industry is the largest and fastest-growing form of entertainment.
In 2021 alone, the total number of video game releases was up 64{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} compared to 2020 and 51{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of players in the U.S. reported spending more than 7 hours per week playing across console, PC and mobile.
3 billion people globally play games today, which we expect to grow to 4.5 billion by 2030.
More than 100 million gamers, including over 25 million Xbox Game Pass members, play Xbox games across console, PC, mobile phones and tablets each month.
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About Microsoft Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
About Activision Blizzard
Our mission, to connect and engage the world through epic entertainment has never been more important. Through communities rooted in our video game franchises we enable hundreds of millions of people to experience joy, thrill and achievement. We enable social connections through the lens of fun, and we foster purpose and meaning through competitive gaming. Video games, unlike any other social or entertainment media, have the ability to break down barriers that can inhibit tolerance and understanding. Celebrating differences is at the core of our culture and ensures we can create games for players of diverse backgrounds in the 190 countries our games are played.
As a member of the Fortune 500 and as a component company of the S&P 500, we have an extraordinary track record of delivering superior shareholder returns for over 30 years. Our sustained success has enabled the company to support corporate social responsibility initiatives that are directly tied to our franchises. As an example, our Call of Duty Endowment has helped find employment for over 90,000 veterans.
Learn more information about Activision Blizzard and how we connect and engage the world through epic entertainment on the company´s website, www.activisionblizzard.com
Forward-looking statements
This presentation contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the proposed transaction and business combination between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard, including statements regarding the benefits of the transaction, the anticipated timing of the transaction and the products and markets of each company. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “predicts,” “budget,” “forecast,” “continue,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions). Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this presentation, including but not limited to: (i) the risk that the transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect Activision Blizzard’s business and the price of the common stock of Activision Blizzard, (ii) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the transaction, including the adoption of the merger agreement by the stockholders of Activision Blizzard and the receipt of certain governmental and regulatory approvals, (iii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement, (iv) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the transaction on Activision Blizzard’s business relationships, operating results, and business generally, (v) risks that the proposed transaction disrupts current plans and operations of Activision Blizzard or Microsoft and potential difficulties in Activision Blizzard employee retention as a result of the transaction, (vi) risks related to diverting management’s attention from Activision Blizzard’s ongoing business operations, (vii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Microsoft or against Activision Blizzard related to the merger agreement or the transaction, (viii) the ability of Microsoft to successfully integrate Activision Blizzard’s operations, product lines, and technology, and (ix) the ability of Microsoft to implement its plans, forecasts, and other expectations with respect to Activision Blizzard’s business after the completion of the proposed merger and realize additional opportunities for growth and innovation. In addition, please refer to the documents that Microsoft and Activision Blizzard file with the SEC on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements set forth in this press release. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Microsoft and Activision Blizzard assume no obligation and do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Additional information and where to find it
In connection with the transaction, Activision Blizzard, Inc. will file relevant materials with the SEC, including a proxy statement on Schedule 14A. Promptly after filing its definitive proxy statement with the SEC, Activision Blizzard will mail the definitive proxy statement and a proxy card to each stockholder entitled to vote at the special meeting relating to the transaction. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF ACTIVISION BLIZZARD ARE URGED TO READ THESE MATERIALS (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTION THAT ACTIVISION BLIZZARD WILL FILE WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ACTIVISION BLIZZARD AND THE TRANSACTION. The definitive proxy statement, the preliminary proxy statement and other relevant materials in connection with the transaction (when they become available), and any other documents filed by Activision Blizzard with the SEC, may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov) or at the Activision Blizzard website (https://investor.activision.com) or by writing to Activision Blizzard, Investor Relations, 3100 Ocean Park Boulevard, Santa Monica, California, 90405.
Activision Blizzard and certain of its directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Activision Blizzard’s stockholders with respect to the transaction. Information about Activision Blizzard’s directors and executive officers and their ownership of Activision Blizzard’s common stock is set forth in Activision Blizzard’s proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on April 30, 2021. To the extent that holdings of Activision Blizzard’s securities have changed since the amounts printed in Activision Blizzard’s proxy statement, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC. Information regarding the identity of the participants, and their direct or indirect interests in the transaction, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the proxy statement and other materials to be filed with SEC in connection with the transaction.
For more information, press only:
Microsoft Media Relations, Assembly Media for Microsoft, [email protected]
For more information, financial analysts and investors only:
Brett Iversen, General Manager, Investor Relations, (425) 706-4400
Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. Shareholder and financial information, as well as today’s 6:00 a.m. Pacific time conference call with investors and analysts, is available at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/investor.
The Rams (12-5) will host the Cardinals (11-6) in the NFL Wild Card round on Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET. The game will be televised by ESPN, ABC and ESPN2 for the ManningCast.
Los Angeles, which won the NFC West, is making its fourth playoff appearance in six seasons under head coach Sean McVay. Rams starting quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for the second-most passing touchdowns (41) and third-most yards (4,886) this season.
Los Angeles also had the 15th-best scoring defense this regular season, allowing 21.9 points per game. Its top defensive playmakers were cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who tied a team-best four interceptions along with 77 tackles, and defensive end Aaron Donald, who recorded 12.5 sacks along with 84 tackles.
Arizona is making its first postseason appearance since it united coach Kliff Kingsbury with quarterback Kyler Murray in the 2019 season. The Cardinals started the 2021 season with a 7-0 record and led the NFC playoff race with a 10-2 record, though they have struggled with four losses in their last five games, three of which came against non-playoff teams.
Arizona finished its regular season with the 11th-best scoring offense and defense. The Cardinals had four of their players elected to the 2021 Pro Bowl: safety Budda Baker; running back James Conner; linebacker Chandler Jones; and Murray.
MORE: NFL playoff picks for 2022 AFC, NFC brackets and Super Bowl 56
For Monday’s game, the Cardinals could return defensive end JJ Watt, who tore his bicep, labrum and rotator cuff in October. Watt was activated to return from injured reserve and practiced ahead of the divisional playoff bout. Watt’s comeback was called “awe-inspiring” by his head coach Cliff Kingsbury.
Monday’s game will be the third meeting between the Rams and Cardinals this season. Arizona won in Los Angeles during Week 4, 37-20, while the Rams responded with a 30-23 victory in Arizona in Week 14.
Sporting News has all the info you need to watch Rams vs. Cardinals on Monday, including the TV channels and kickoff time.
What channel is Rams vs. Cardinals on today?
TV channel (national): ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 (ManningCast)
The Rams vs. Cardinals game will be broadcast nationally via Monday Night Football on ABC and ESPN. Play-by-play host Steve Levy will be with hosts Brian Griese and Louis Riddick on ESPN’s main channel, while Eli and Peyton Manning will commentate over the game on ESPN2.
Monday’s game between the Rams and Cardinals will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. It is projected to be 48 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday night with wind gusts of 13 miles per hour.
MORE: NFL playoff picks, predictions for wild-card games
This will be the final game of six Wild Card contests to open the NFL playoffs. Since the league expanded its postseason to 14 teams, 12 have to play in the first round. The Packers (NFC) and Titans (AFC) received first-round byes.
Cowboys-49ers is one of the most storied rivalries, not just in football, but in all of sports. The Cowboys lead the all-time series 19-17-1 and provided one of the most famous games, and plays in NFL history when “The Catch” happened in 1981’s NFC title game.
Then, in the 1990s, as the Cowboys went on their Super Bowl runs, they had to go through — you guessed it — the 49ers. But both teams also went through down periods, particularly in the 2000s and 2010s, as the two teams haven’t met in the postseason since 1998.
MORE: Who are the favorites to win Super Bowl 56 in 2022?
This year, though, both teams exceeded expectations. Dallas won the NFC East with the league’s best scoring offense and best total offense. But they were equally good on defense, ranking seventh in scoring defense, second in third down defense all while cornerback Trevon Diggs and linebacker/edge rusher Micah Parsons both had breakout years.
They’re going up a 49ers team that’s been laden with injuries throughout the season at various positions, including quarterback, running back, tackle and tight end. As a result, they’ve had to manufacture offense in myriad ways.
BENDER: Ranking the playoff quarterbacks for 2022 from best to worst
One of the most exciting players of the year is skill position player Deebo Samuel, who led the team with 1,405 receiving yards and six touchdowns, but also added 365 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the ground, showing he can do a bit of everything. And he’s needed to as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo posted less than a 2:1 TD-INT ratio, though he did complete over 68 percent of his passes.
The real hallmark of the 49ers this year has been defense, though. Defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans’ unit ranked ninth in scoring defense and third in total defense to go along with 48 sacks and 21 forced fumbles.
This should be a strength-on-strength matchup when these two teams face off. Sporting News has all the info you need to catch this game in action.
The Cowboys and 49ers will be covered by both CBS and Nickelodeon.
On the CBS broadcast, Jim Nantz and Tony Romo will be in the booth and Tracy Wolfson will be reporting from the sidelines. Noah Eagle, Nate Burleson and Gabrielle Nevaeh Green will be on the Nickelodeon broadcast, with Dylan Gilmer on the sideline.
