The intense rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants is set for its 125th edition in Week 4 of the NFL season. With both teams eager to secure a vital victory, the stakes are high in this momentous clash.
The Rivalry
The Cowboys hold a commanding lead in the all-time series against the Giants with a 75-47-2 record. Dallas has dominated recent encounters, winning the last six meetings. The Giants' last triumph over the Cowboys was during the 2020-21 NFL season. Last season, Dallas overwhelmed New York, scoring at least 40 points in both of their encounters.
Dallas Cowboys: Led by Prescott
Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott remains a formidable force. Recently signing a lucrative four-year, $240 million contract, Prescott is living up to the expectations that come with such a deal. Last season, he led the league with 36 passing touchdowns and ranked third in passing yards, accumulating 4,516 yards. The Cowboys boasted a 12-5 record, earning the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs, with Prescott continuing to excel in the postseason, throwing for 403 yards and three touchdowns, and rushing for 45 yards.
In last week's game, Prescott showcased his versatility, scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown and delivering 379 passing yards along with two touchdowns. As one expert pointed out, "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."
New York Giants: The Rising Star
The Giants have had a mixed start to their season but secured their first win by defeating the Browns 21-15. The spotlight has shifted to rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Nabers has quickly become a favorite target for quarterback Daniel Jones, amassing 37 targets over the first three weeks of the season—13 more than any other player on the Giants roster. In the recent victory over Cleveland, Nabers caught eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns.
Nabers' impressive performance has not gone unnoticed. With a 37.8% target share and responsibility for 50.7% of all New York wide receiver targets this season, expectations are high. "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 projected.
Defensive Struggles
Despite their offensive prowess, the Cowboys' defense has been a weak point this season, allowing 29.7 points per game—making them the second-worst in the league. This vulnerability could be an opportunity for the Giants and Nabers to exploit, potentially making this matchup a high-scoring affair.
On the other side, the Giants' defense will face the daunting task of containing Prescott and the Cowboys' potent offense. The ability to disrupt Prescott's rhythm and limit his passing options will be crucial if the Giants hope to secure a victory.
High Stakes
With the Cowboys looking to extend their winning streak against a Giants team eager for redemption, the upcoming game promises intensity and high energy. While Dallas aims to maintain their dominance, the Giants are determined to showcase their progress and the emerging talent of Nabers, making this clash a must-watch event for football fans.
As the two teams prepare for their much-anticipated encounter, the performances of Prescott and Nabers will be pivotal. Whether it’s through air or ground assaults, both teams have the weapons to make this matchup a thrilling contest that could have significant implications for their respective seasons.