As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare to square off for the 125th time in Week 4, football fans are bracing for yet another electrifying chapter in one of the NFL's long-standing rivalries. With the Cowboys holding a commanding 75-47-2 record in their all-time series, and fresh off a six-game winning streak against the Giants, the stakes couldn't be higher for both franchises.
Dallas' Dominant Offense
The Cowboys have been a force to be reckoned with, particularly in their recent encounters against the Giants. Last season, they not only defeated New York twice but also managed to score at least 40 points in each game. Leading the charge for Dallas is their star quarterback, Dak Prescott. Fresh off signing a lucrative four-year, $240 million contract, Prescott has lived up to the investment.
Prescott led the league in passing touchdowns last season with an impressive total of 36, while also finishing third in passing yards with a tally of 4,516. His performance was instrumental in leading Dallas to a 12-5 record and securing the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. In those playoffs, Prescott showcased his multifaceted skills by throwing for 403 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 45 rushing yards to his stat line.
"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," noted a league expert, highlighting the quarterbackâs versatility.
Last week, Prescott continued to impress, throwing for 379 yards and two touchdowns, while also scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown. This dual-threat capability adds a layer of complexity for any defense facing the Cowboys.
Giants' Rising Star
Despite the Giants' recent struggles against Dallas, there are reasons for optimism in New York. The team celebrated their first win of the season with a 21-15 victory over the Cleveland Browns, a game in which their quarterback, Daniel Jones, threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns.
A significant development for the Giants has been the emergence of rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. Selected as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Nabers has quickly become a crucial target in New York's offense. Over the first three weeks, he has seen 37 targets, 13 more than any other player on the team. This trust in Nabers was evident in the win over Cleveland, where he caught eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns.
Boasting a 37.8% target share and being responsible for 50.7% of all New York wide receiver targets this season, Nabers is proving to be an indispensable asset for Jones. "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," suggested another expert, forecasting a prominent role for Nabers in the upcoming clash.
Defensive Concerns
While the Cowboys' offense has been a consistent strength, their defense has shown vulnerabilities. Allowing an average of 29.7 points per game, they rank as the second-worst in the league this season. This defensive frailty could provide an opening for Jones and Nabers to exploit, potentially making for a high-scoring affair.
Given the history, stats, and individual talents on display, this matchup is set to be a critical test for both teams. The Cowboys will aim to extend their dominance, while the Giants look to turn the page and secure a much-needed victory. As these longtime rivals prepare for another showdown, fans can expect intense competition and possibly a few surprises along the way.