As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare to meet for the 125th time in Week 4, anticipation is mounting for a high-stakes clash. The Cowboys have historically dominated the matchup, leading the all-time series with a 75-47-2 record. Recently, Dallas has been especially commanding, winning the last six encounters.
Recent History and Current Form
The Giants last tasted victory over the Cowboys during the 2020-21 NFL season. Since then, Dallas has firmly held the upper hand. Last season, the Cowboys' offense was explosive in both meetings, putting up at least 40 points each time. Central to this offensive prowess is quarterback Dak Prescott.
Dak Prescott: The Offensive Dynamo
Prescott has been nothing short of stellar, further establishing his elite status with a four-year, $240 million contract. Last season, he led the NFL in passing touchdowns with 36 and finished third in passing yards with 4,516, steering Dallas to a 12-5 record and the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. His playoff performance was also noteworthy, as he threw for 403 yards and three touchdowns while adding a rushing touchdown and 45 yards on the ground.
Even though Prescott doesn't often showcase his rushing ability, it still adds a dynamic layer to his game. "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," remarked an analyst. Last week, Prescott demonstrated this versatility again with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, 379 passing yards, and two touchdowns.
Giants Leaning on Youth and Potential
On the other side, the Giants are building around key young talent, especially rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. Nabers, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has immediately made his presence felt. He has been targeted 37 times over the first three weeks of the season, 13 more than any other Giants player, demonstrating the trust the team has in his abilities.
Nabers' impact was evident in the win against the Cleveland Browns, where he recorded eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns. With an impressive 37.8% target share and responsibility for 50.7% of all New York wide receiver targets this season, Nabers is quickly becoming a focal point of the Giants' offense. "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," predicts a seasoned analyst.
Giants' quarterback Daniel Jones is also stepping up, throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns in their recent victory over the Browns. As he continues to develop chemistry with Nabers, this duo could pose a significant threat to a Cowboys' defense that has been struggling.
Defensive Concerns and Expectations
While the Cowboys' offense has been firing on all cylinders, their defense is cause for concern, allowing an alarming 29.7 points per game. This defensive frailty, ranking as the second-worst in the league, will undoubtedly be a focal point as they face the Giants. For Dallas to extend their winning streak against New York, tightening up defensively will be crucial.
The anticipation for this clash is palpable, with both teams having much to prove. As Dallas aims to maintain its dominance and the Giants look to upset their rivals, all eyes will be on the performances of Prescott and Nabers, who are set to play pivotal roles in potentially determining the outcome of this eagerly awaited contest.