As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare to face off for the 125th time in Week 4, the stakes are high. The Cowboys currently lead the all-time series against the Giants with a commanding 75-47-2 record. Adding to the Giants' sense of urgency, Dallas has dominated recent meetings, winning the last six games between the two teams.
Looking to snap that streak, the Giants last defeated the Cowboys during the 2020-21 NFL season. In their two clashes last season, Dallas put up an offensive clinic, scoring at least 40 points in both games. This offensive firepower is led by quarterback Dak Prescott, who continues to be a significant force.
Dak Prescott’s Dominance
Prescott is coming off an impressive season where he secured a new four-year, $240 million contract. His performance last season justified that investment, as he led the league in passing touchdowns with 36 and finished third in passing yards with 4,516. His leadership helped Dallas achieve a 12-5 record and secure the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.
During the playoffs, Prescott continued to showcase his versatility. He threw for 403 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 45 yards. His dual-threat capability was on full display last week as well, contributing a 1-yard rushing touchdown along with 379 passing yards and two touchdowns. While he doesn't always showcase his rushing ability, "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. His skillset keeps defenses on their heels, making him a multifaceted threat.
Giants’ New Hope
On the other side, the Giants are coming off their first win of the season, defeating the Browns 21-15. Quarterback Daniel Jones played a crucial role in the victory, throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns. However, all eyes are on rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, who was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Nabers has quickly established himself as a focal point in the Giants' offense. Over the first three weeks, he has been targeted 37 times—13 more than any other player on the team. His performance in recent games has been nothing short of stellar, catching 30 of those targets in just the last two contests. Nabers boasts a 37.8% target share and has been responsible for a striking 50.7% of all New York wide receiver targets this season.
In the win against Cleveland, Nabers had eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns, cementing his status as a rising star. Expert analysis suggests that "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 Woes for Dallas
While Dallas' offensive outlook remains promising, their defensive struggles are evident. The Cowboys' defense is currently allowing 29.7 points per game, making them the second-worst in the league this season. This vulnerability could provide an opportunity for the Giants’ offensive weapons, including Jones and Nabers, to exploit.
In conclusion, both teams enter this matchup with distinct storylines and significant pressure to perform. The Cowboys aim to extend their winning streak against the Giants, while New York seeks to leverage its emerging stars to turn the tide. As always, this storied rivalry promises another chapter of high stakes and thrilling football.