MetLife Stadium is set to be the battleground for an electrifying NFC East showdown as the Dallas Cowboys visit the New York Giants on Thursday night. The rivalry between these two teams has always been intense, but recent history has seen the Cowboys dominate the Giants, capturing victories with astonishing ease.
Dominance in Rivalry
Last season, the Cowboys imposed their will on the Giants with commanding wins by scores of 40-0 and 49-17, establishing their superiority in the division. Currently riding a six-game winning streak against the Giants, Dallas looks to extend this dominance further. Notably, the Cowboys have clinched the NFC East division title in two of the last three seasons, reaffirming their status as a powerhouse team.
Struggles and Objectives
However, it's not all smooth sailing for Dallas. The team aims to snap a two-game losing streak that has clouded their recent performances. Their away record since the beginning of 2023 is a middling 5-5, indicative of some inconsistencies when playing outside AT&T Stadium. In contrast, the Giants have had similar challenges at home, holding a 4-5 record at MetLife Stadium since the start of last season.
Prescott's Performance and Key Players
Quarterback Dak Prescott has been a focal point for the Cowboys, especially against the Giants. In 13 starts against New York, Prescott boasts an impressive career passer rating of 101.6. He has completed 64% of his passes for 3,433 yards, 25 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. This season, however, Prescott’s numbers are slightly less stellar, with a passer rating of 85.8, a 60.7% completion rate, 851 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has also been a thorn in the side of the Giants. Over six games, Lamb has secured 38 receptions for 529 yards and two touchdowns. His standout performance last season saw him hauling in 11 passes for 151 yards in their November 12 face-off against the Giants. This year, rookie Malik Nabers has emerged as a key contributor, leading the Cowboys with 23 receptions for 271 yards and three touchdowns. Nabers has made crucial plays, with six receptions of 20 or more yards, 127 yards after the catch, and 14 first-down conversions.
Giants' Perspective
On the other side, the Giants come off a hard-fought 21-15 victory over Cleveland, providing a much-needed morale boost. Their last home victory over the Cowboys dates back to 2020, when they edged out a 23-19 win. This history will undoubtedly add an extra layer of motivation for the Giants as they prepare for Thursday’s clash.
Receiver Wan'Dale Robinson has been a key weapon for the Giants this season, amassing 15 receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown. Robinson's longest reception this season stretches to 20 yards, and he has gained 63 yards after the catch. His recent performance against Cleveland was particularly impressive, with seven catches for 61 yards contributing significantly to their win.
Betting Lines and Predictions
As the game approaches, the Cowboys are favored by 5.5 points, reflecting their recent successes and overall stronger form. The over/under for total points scored stands at 45.5, suggesting expectations of a moderately high-scoring contest. The betting model for NFL picks has also highlighted its reliability, boasting a 188-130 record on top-rated picks, including a strong 42-22 streak since Week 7 of the 2022 season. For bettors keeping track, this model has yielded well over $7,000 for $100 bettors on top-rated NFL selections.
Thursday night’s game promises to be another chapter in the storied rivalry between the Giants and Cowboys. With divisional pride and critical standings on the line, both teams are expected to bring their best to MetLife Stadium. As the Cowboys look to maintain their dominance, the Giants will aim to reclaim their home turf in a game that could set the tone for the remainder of the season.