MetLife Stadium is set to be the stage for an NFC East clash this Thursday night, as the Dallas Cowboys visit the New York Giants. This contest adds another chapter to a storied rivalry, one that has seen the Cowboys dominate in recent meetings.
Recent Success for Dallas
The Cowboys have enjoyed significant success against the Giants, evidenced by their 40-0 and 49-17 triumphs last season. Riding a six-game winning streak against New York, Dallas seems well-poised to extend this run. Over the past three seasons, the Cowboys have also secured the NFC East division title twice, cementing their position as the dominant force in the division.
Challenges and Road Records
Despite their recent supremacy, Dallas faces the challenge of snapping a two-game losing streak. Their road performance has been middling, with a 5-5 away record since the beginning of 2023. MetLife Stadium has not been entirely kind to the Giants either; they hold a 4-5 home record since last season began.
Key Players and Performances
Quarterback Dak Prescott has consistently shone against the Giants. With a stellar career passer rating of 101.6 in 13 starts, Prescott has completed 64% of his passes for 3,433 yards and 25 touchdowns, against just six interceptions. This season, however, Prescott's numbers have dipped slightly, reflected in a passer rating of 85.8 and a completion rate of 60.7% for 851 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Offensive Stars
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has proven to be a reliable target against the Giants, collecting 38 receptions for 529 yards and two touchdowns over six games. Notably, Lamb caught 11 passes for 151 yards in their November 12 game last season.
Rookie Malik Nabers has also emerged as a significant threat this season, leading the Cowboys with 23 receptions, 271 yards, and three touchdowns. Nabers demonstrates a penchant for big plays, with six receptions of 20 or more yards and 127 yards after the catch. He's also converted 14 first downs, showcasing his importance to the Dallas offensive scheme.
Giants Fighting Back
The Giants are coming off a 21-15 victory over Cleveland, providing a spark of momentum. Their last home win over the Cowboys dates back to 2020, a close 23-19 contest.
Wan'Dale Robinson has shown promise this season with 15 receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown. In the latest victory over Cleveland, Robinson made seven catches for 61 yards, underlying his growing role in the Giants' offense.
Betting Odds
Despite the competitive nature of the matchup, the Cowboys are currently favored by 5.5 points. The over/under for total points scored stands at 45.5, indicating expectations for a moderately high-scoring game.
The betting model backing these odds has a track record of performing exceptionally well, boasting a $7,000 gain for $100 bettors on top-rated NFL picks. Impressively, the model stands at 188-130 on top-rated picks, including a 42-22 streak since Week 7 of the 2022 season.
As the Giants aim to turn the tide and the Cowboys strive to reset their winning ways, Thursday's game promises both significance and excitement, reflecting the intense rivalry that their NFC East matchups have always delivered.