As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants gear up for their 125th face-off in Week 4, there is an air of high anticipation. With an all-time series record of 75-47-2 favoring the Cowboys, Dallas aims to extend its six-game winning streak against its divisional rival.
Cowboys' Dominance
The last time the Giants claimed a victory over the Cowboys was back in the 2020-21 NFL season. More recently, Dallas has had a commanding presence, scoring at least 40 points in both encounters last season. Leading the charge for Dallas is quarterback Dak Prescott, who is fresh off a contract extension worth $240 million over four years. Prescott's performances have been nothing short of spectacular; he led the league in passing touchdowns with 36 and finished third in passing yards with 4,516 last season.
During the playoffs, Prescott threw for 403 yards and three touchdowns, adding 45 rushing yards, underscoring his versatility and ability to create plays. "Prescott doesn't often showcase that rushing side anymore, but just the fact he has the potential to scramble and create offense with his legs adds to his NFL DFS value," observed an analyst, highlighting Prescott's multifaceted game.
New Blood for New York
While the Giants have had their struggles, their recent 21-15 victory over the Cleveland Browns offered glimpses of hope. Quarterback Daniel Jones threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns, showing poise and control. However, the real star for the Giants appears to be rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Nabers has become an integral part of New York’s offense, boasting 37 targets over the first three weeks — 13 more than any other player on the team. Such staggering stats underscore how pivotal Nabers has become for the Giants.
In his recent game against Cleveland, Nabers recorded eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns, further solidifying his burgeoning reputation. “Nabers will likely receive another huge target share on Thursday, and with the Cowboys allowing 29.7 points per game, ranking 30th in the NFL, to begin the 2024 NFL season, McClure expects another huge performance from the rookie,” projected an analyst.
Defensive Struggles for Dallas
However, it’s not all rosy for the Cowboys. Despite their offensive firepower, they have glaring weaknesses on the defensive end. Dallas is allowing 29.7 points per game, making them the second-worst defensive unit in the league this season. This vulnerability presents a golden opportunity for the Giants' offense, spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Jones and Nabers, to exploit.
High Stakes
Given the stakes, the upcoming game is crucial for both teams. Dallas, with a 12-5 record last season, secured the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. Maintaining that winning momentum is essential for the Cowboys to solidify their claim as one of the powerhouses in the NFL. On the flip side, the Giants are eager to prove they can compete with top-tier teams and that their victory over the Browns was no fluke.
Game Dynamics
The dynamics of this game are intriguing. Prescott's prowess as a quarterback combined with his ability to rush adds an extra layer of complexity for the Giants' defense. Conversely, the Giants’ emerging star, Nabers, is expected to exploit the Cowboys' defensive vulnerabilities. His 37.8% target share and his involvement in over half of all New York’s wide receiver targets this season underscore his importance to the Giants’ game plan.
With both teams eyeing a crucial victory, this clash promises to be a thrilling encounter. Whether it will be the experienced Prescott leading his team to another triumph or the rookie Nabers making headlines once again, one thing is certain — this game is set to be a fascinating chapter in the storied rivalry between the Cowboys and the Giants.