As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare to face off for the 125th time in Week 4, the stakes are high. The rivalry, rich in history and marked by dramatic games, once again promises excitement as both teams come loaded with fascinating storylines and key players pivotal to their success.
A Dominant Streak for Dallas
The Cowboys currently hold the edge in the all-time series against the Giants, boasting a 75-47-2 record. Further tilting the balance in their favor is a six-game winning streak against their NFC East rivals. Notably, the Giants haven't managed to conquer Dallas since the 2020-21 NFL season, emphasizing the Cowboys' recent dominance in this storied rivalry. In both of their meetings last season, Dallas scored at least 40 points, underscoring their offensive prowess.
Dak Prescott: Dallas's Offensive Maestro
At the heart of the Dallas attack is quarterback Dak Prescott, who remains a formidable presence on the field. Prescott signed a lucrative four-year, $240 million contract, and his recent performances justify every penny. Last season, he led the league with 36 passing touchdowns and ranked third in passing yards, amassing 4,516 yards. Prescott not only excels with his arm but also poses a rushing threat. As one analyst mentioned, "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." This dimension of his game highlights his versatility and value as an elite quarterback.
In the previous season's playoffs, Prescott threw for 403 yards, three touchdowns, and rushed for an additional 45 yards. His performance solidified the Cowboys' 12-5 record, securing the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. Even in last week's game, Prescott showed his dual-threat capability, scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown while passing for 379 yards and two touchdowns.
The Giants Look to Upset
On the opposing side, the New York Giants are coming off a morale-boosting 21-15 victory over the Cleveland Browns, marking their first win of the season. Quarterback Daniel Jones was instrumental, throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns. The team's offensive charge is also significantly bolstered by rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Nabers has quickly become Jones's favorite target, with a league-leading target share of 37.8% and responsible for 50.7% of all New York wide receiver targets this season. His impact has been immediate and profound; in the win against Cleveland, Nabers had eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Over the first three weeks, he has amassed 37 targets, 13 more than any other player on the Giants, catching 30 of those in the past two games alone. An expert predicts, "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."
Defensive Struggles for Dallas
Despite the Cowboys' offensive firepower, their defense has been less than stellar this season, allowing 29.7 points per game, making them the second-worst in the league. This vulnerability could provide an opening for the Giants to exploit, particularly with Jones and Nabers forming a potent connection.
As both teams gear up for yet another showdown, fans on both sides are bracing for a clash marked by high stakes and high excitement. For the Cowboys, sustaining their winning streak against the Giants and bolstering their defensive line will be key. On the other hand, the Giants will rely on their rising stars to reverse the tide and claim victory. With Prescott and Jones at the helm, supported by standout talent like Nabers, the upcoming game promises to add another thrilling chapter to this enduring rivalry.