As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants gear up for their 125th meeting in Week 4, both teams find themselves at crucial junctures in the season. The Cowboys currently hold a commanding lead in the all-time series with a 75-47-2 record and have won their last six encounters with the Giants. However, the Giants are eager to break this streak, with their last victory over the Cowboys dating back to the 2020-21 NFL season.
Stars Align for Dallas
Much of Dallas' recent success can be attributed to their star quarterback, Dak Prescott. Prescott's new four-year, $240 million contract is a testament to his remarkable talent and leadership. Last season, Prescott led the league with an impressive 36 passing touchdowns and finished third in passing yards, clocking in at 4,516. The Cowboys rode his exceptional performance to a 12-5 record, securing the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.
During the postseason, Prescott threw for 403 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 45 yards, highlighting his versatility. In last week's game, Prescott showcased this dual-threat capability again, scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown while accumulating 379 passing yards and two touchdowns. As one sports analyst put it, "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."
Offensive Prowess vs Defensive Challenges
The Cowboys’ offense has been nothing short of formidable, managing to score at least 40 points in both meetings against the Giants last season. However, their defensive woes are becoming increasingly apparent. Allowing an average of 29.7 points per game, Dallas ranks as the second-worst defense in the league. This vulnerable defense might pose significant challenges as they face off against a revitalized Giants offense led by Daniel Jones.
Giants Seek Redemption
Despite a shaky start to the season, the New York Giants recently secured their first win, defeating the Cleveland Browns 21-15. Quarterback Daniel Jones was instrumental in this victory, throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns. The emergence of rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers has been a significant boon for the Giants. Picked No. 6 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Nabers has quickly become a focal point in the Giants' offensive strategy.
Nabers has been targeted 37 times over the first three weeks, which is 13 more than any other player on the Giants' roster. His 37.8% target share, accounting for 50.7% of all New York wide receiver targets this season, underscores his importance to the team. In the win against Cleveland, Nabers had eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns. As another expert noted, "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."
Nabers' remarkable adaptation to the NFL's rigors suggests he could be a game-changer in this high-stakes matchup. His performance will likely be a determining factor as New York attempts to exploit Dallas' defensive vulnerabilities.
Anticipating the Clash
With both teams eager to make statements, this 125th meeting between the Cowboys and Giants promises to be a thrilling spectacle. The Cowboys' offensive might, led by the phenomenal Prescott, will clash head-on with the Giants' emergent weapon in Nabers and a motivated Jones. As Dallas looks to continue their dominance, and New York aims for a crucial victory, NFL fans are in for a game that could shape the trajectories of both teams' seasons.