San Francisco 49ers kick off season against the Dallas Cowboys

San Francisco 49ers (-4.5, 51 o/u) at Dallas Cowboys

It’s been a rough week for the San Francisco 49ers defense, which learned Aldon Smith was suspended for nine games while defensive lineman Ray McDonald was arrested for domestic violence.

On the other side of the ball, the 49ers holdout guard Alex Boone returned to action after getting a new deal. That’s good news for the offense that spent the last month stuck in the mud.

After a dismal preseason for the San Francisco 49ers offense, quarterback Colin Kaepernick said he’s not worried about how that will translate into the regular season. He said, “I’ve never seen worrying help anyone’s problems, or help them get better. So I don’t worry.”

Cowboys defensive end Anthony Spencer is optimistic this is the year the team makes good on its promises. He said, “I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people. That’s what I believe. I believe that this defense is going to surprise a lot of people in the things that we’re going to be able to do and that we are going to do. I’m looking forward to getting back out there and being a part of this defense.”

Even before the 49ers suspension and arrest, the real question this Sunday was whether the Cowboys could score enough points to compensate for the team’s shaky defense. Now it appears Tony Romo and company have a shot at putting up some big numbers, which is why at +4.5 the home dog looks appealing.