As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare to clash for the 125th time in Week 4, the stakes couldn't be higher. With a rich history and intense rivalry, every encounter between these two NFL powerhouses promises fireworks. The Cowboys have a commanding lead in the all-time series, boasting a 75-47-2 record against the Giants. Adding to their dominance, Dallas has triumphed in the last six meetings between the teams, leaving the Giants desperate to break their losing streak.
This season, the Cowboys have entered the fray with high expectations. Leading the charge is quarterback Dak Prescott, who is fresh off signing a lucrative four-year, $240 million contract. Prescott's performance last season was nothing short of spectacular, as he led the league in passing touchdowns with 36 and finished third in passing yards, amassing 4,516. His prowess on the field was integral to Dallas securing a 12-5 record and clinching the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.
In the playoffs, Prescott continued to shine, throwing for 403 yards and three touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 45 yards. His dual-threat capability adds a valuable dimension to the Cowboys' offensive arsenal. "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," an expert noted, highlighting Prescott's versatility.
Despite Dallas' offensive firepower, their defense has been a cause for concern. Allowing an average of 29.7 points per game, the Cowboys' defense ranks as the second-worst in the league this season. This vulnerability poses a significant challenge as they prepare to face a resurgent Giants team.
The Giants, on the other hand, have had a mixed start to their season. They managed to secure their first win with a hard-fought 21-15 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Quarterback Daniel Jones played a pivotal role in the triumph, throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns.
A standout performer for the Giants has been rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, who was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Nabers has quickly made a name for himself, seeing 37 targets over the first three weeks of the season, which is 13 more than any other Giants' player. In the win against Cleveland, Nabers caught eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns, solidifying his status as a primary offensive weapon.
Nabers’ impressive performances have translated into a substantial target share, accounting for 37.8% of the Giants' wide receiver targets this season. "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," speculated an analyst, anticipating another stellar display from Nabers.
As game day approaches, both teams have much to prove. The Cowboys will be looking to maintain their dominance over the Giants while improving their defensive standings. For the Giants, breaking the losing streak and leveraging the talents of their new stars will be paramount. The upcoming matchup promises to be a thrilling chapter in the storied rivalry between these two iconic franchises.