As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare to clash for the 125th time in Week 4, the stakes couldn't be higher.
Historically, the Cowboys have dominated this rivalry, holding a 75-47-2 record. Dallas has been particularly dominant in recent years, having secured victory in each of the last six encounters. The Giants' last triumph against the Cowboys dates back to the 2020-21 NFL season.
Cowboys' Offensive Powerhouse
The Cowboys have been putting up astronomical numbers, especially in their games against the Giants last season, where they managed to score at least 40 points in both meetings. At the heart of this offensive juggernaut is quarterback Dak Prescott, who is coming off a remarkable season.
Prescott's new four-year contract worth $240 million reflects his value to the Cowboys. Last season, he led the league with 36 passing touchdowns and finished third in passing yards with 4,516. His performance helped Dallas achieve a 12-5 record and secure the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.
Last week, Prescott showcased his dual-threat capability, throwing for 379 yards and two touchdowns while adding a 1-yard rushing touchdown. "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," noted an expert.
Giants Searching for Answers
On the other side, the New York Giants are seeking to turn their fortunes around. They recently secured their first win of the season, defeating the Cleveland Browns 21-15. Quarterback Daniel Jones played a crucial role, throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns.
A shining light for the Giants has been rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, who was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Nabers has been nothing short of spectacular, leading the team with 37 targets over the first three weeks—a massive 13 more than any other player on the Giants.
Nabers has caught 30 of these targets over the last two games alone and currently has a 37.8% target share. Remarkably, he has accounted for 50.7% of all New York wide receiver targets this season. In their victory over the Browns, Nabers recorded eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns.
Looking ahead, he is expected to be a focal point yet again. "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," noted another expert.
Defensive Concerns for Dallas
While Dallas' offense has been firing on all cylinders, their defense tells a different story. The Cowboys’ defense currently allows 29.7 points per game, positioning them as the second-worst in the league this season. This glaring weakness could be a chink in their armor that the Giants might look to exploit.
For the Giants, shoring up their offensive line and ensuring Jones has ample time to connect with Nabers will be essential. The Cowboys' defensive vulnerability provides an excellent opportunity for Nabers to continue his stellar performance and for Jones to potentially exploit this weakness through the air.
As the teams brace themselves for another chapter in their storied rivalry, both franchises know the significance that this matchup holds. For the Cowboys, continuing their winning streak and rectifying their defensive flaws will be the key. For the Giants, it's about building momentum and leveraging their emerging stars to secure a much-needed victory.
This encounter promises to be a thrilling spectacle, filled with high stakes, celebrated talents, and a rivalry that's as intense as ever. As kickoff approaches, fans are left to wonder which team will seize the moment and dictate the narrative of this classic NFL rivalry.