As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare to clash for the 125th time in Week 4, football fans are bracing for another gripping installment in one of the NFL's storied rivalries. With the Cowboys leading the all-time series 75-47-2, Dallas looks poised to extend their dominance, having emerged victorious in the last six encounters.
Cowboys' Dominance
Under the leadership of Dak Prescott, the Cowboys have been a formidable force. Last season, Dallas scored a staggering 40 points in both meetings against the Giants. Prescott, whose talent under center earned him a lucrative four-year, $240 million contract, continues to be a pivotal figure for the team's offensive success. He led the league in passing touchdowns last season with 36 and finished third in passing yards with 4,516. These impressive stats propelled the Cowboys to a 12-5 record and the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.
Prescott's performance in the playoffs was nothing short of remarkable, showcasing his versatility with 403 passing yards, three touchdowns, and an additional 45 rushing yards. Recently, Prescott demonstrated his dual-threat capability yet again by scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown, along with 379 passing yards and two touchdowns. "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," a sentiment shared by fans and analysts alike.
Giants' Rising Star
Meanwhile, the New York Giants are looking to build momentum after securing their first win of the season against the Cleveland Browns with a score of 21-15. Quarterback Daniel Jones played a crucial role, throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns, aiming to turn the tide in favor of the Giants as they face their formidable rivals.
Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers has quickly become a centerpiece of the Giants' offense. Drafted as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Nabers has been a revelation, amassing 37 targets in the first three weeks—13 more than any other player on the Giants. In the victory against Cleveland, Nabers secured eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns. His incredible target share of 37.8% and responsibility for 50.7% of all New York's wide receiver targets highlight his importance to the team. "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," an expert noted.
Defensive Vulnerabilities
While the Cowboys have exhibited offensive prowess, their defense has been a point of concern, allowing an alarming 29.7 points per game this season, making them the second-worst in the league. This vulnerability could provide an opening for the Giants, particularly with Nabers emerging as a key threat. The Giants have a golden opportunity to exploit these defensive lapses as they attempt to secure a crucial win against their long-time rivals.
The upcoming showdown between the Cowboys and Giants is set to be a high-stakes affair, with both teams eager to prove their mettle. For Dallas, it’s about maintaining their dominance and solidifying Prescott's legacy. For New York, it’s an opportunity to upset the balance and signal a resurgence, led by new talents like Nabers. As kickoff approaches, fans from both sides wait with bated breath, ready for a game that promises excitement and fierce competition.