The upcoming clash between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants in Week 4 will mark the 125th meeting between these longstanding rivals, and the stakes couldn't be higher. With the Cowboys holding a commanding lead in the all-time series at 75-47-2, they have certainly established dominance over the Giants, underscored by their six consecutive victories in this matchup.
A Season of High Expectations for Dallas
The Cowboys have been a force to reckon with recently, making significant strides under the leadership of quarterback Dak Prescott. Last season, Prescott led the league with 36 passing touchdowns and ranked third in passing yards with an impressive 4,516. He was instrumental in propelling Dallas to a 12-5 record and securing the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. In those playoffs, Prescott threw for 403 yards, notched three touchdowns, and added 45 rushing yards.
Prescott's value to the team goes beyond passing; his ability to scramble and create offense with his legs is noteworthy. "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," an expert noted, highlighting his versatility.
Dallas' offensive firepower was on full display last season against the Giants, where they managed to score at least 40 points in both encounters. Their potent offense looks set to continue its high-scoring trend with Prescott, who recently inked a lucrative four-year, $240 million contract, at the helm. Last week, he proved his form by accumulating 379 passing yards and two touchdowns, along with scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown.
The Giants' Renewed Hope with Youth and Talent
On the other side of the field, the New York Giants are looking to turn the tide with their fresh talents and strategic plays. Quarterback Daniel Jones is coming off a promising performance where he threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns to secure the Giants' first win of the season against the Cleveland Browns with a 21-15 victory.
Among the Giants' new faces, rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has quickly become a pivotal player. Nabers has been targeted 37 times over the first three weeks, leading all Giants players by a considerable margin. This has translated to significant productivity; he has caught 30 of these targets in just the last two games.
Nabers’ impact on the team's offense is undeniable, boasting a 37.8% target share and accounting for 50.7% of all New York wide receiver targets this season. His standout performance continued in the game against Cleveland, where he recorded eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns. "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," commented an expert on his potential impact in the upcoming game.
Defense: The Achilles Heel for Dallas
While the Cowboys have had offensive success, their defense has been a significant concern. Allowing 29.7 points per game, they rank as the second-worst defense in the league this season. This defensive vulnerability could provide an opening for the Giants, who are eager to capitalize on any weaknesses.
The Giants will look to exploit these defensive lapses, relying on the burgeoning chemistry between Jones and Nabers. If the Cowboys' defense does not step up, the potential for a high-scoring game is high, given the offensive capabilities on both sides.
As these teams prepare to write the next chapter in their storied rivalry, fans can anticipate a thrilling contest filled with strategic plays, stellar performances, and high stakes. Whether the Cowboys will extend their winning streak or the Giants will break their run of losses against Dallas is a narrative that will unfold under the bright lights of the NFL stage.