As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare to face off for the 125th time in Week 4, the stakes are palpable. With the Cowboys leading the all-time series at 75-47-2, they're riding high with six consecutive victories over their NFC East rivals. The last Giants' victory was during the 2020-21 NFL season, but much has changed since then.
The Cowboys, under the leadership of star quarterback Dak Prescott, have been a force to reckon with. Prescott, who is playing under a lucrative four-year, $240 million contract, is coming off a stellar season where he led the league with 36 passing touchdowns and finished third in passing yards with 4,516. His performance played a crucial role in Dallas securing a 12-5 record and the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs last season.
High Stakes and High Scoring
Prescott showcased his multifaceted skill set by contributing significantly in the playoffs last season, throwing for 403 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 45 yards. Even in their recent clashes, Prescott has been a formidable presence, scoring at least 40 points in both meetings against the Giants last season. His versatility is underscored by his recent performance where he rushed for a 1-yard touchdown while amassing 379 passing yards and two touchdowns in the last game.
Remarkably, as one observer noted, “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.” This versatility makes Prescott not just a quarterback but an invaluable asset to the Cowboys.
A Giant Opportunity
Meanwhile, the Giants are looking to turn things around after a slow start to their season. They secured their first win against the Cleveland Browns with a 21-15 victory. Quarterback Daniel Jones threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns, showing signs of finding his rhythm. His performance, however, may be overshadowed by the rising star, rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers.
Nabers, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has quickly established himself as a key player. With 37 targets in just three weeks, he has 13 more than any other player on the Giants, catching 30 of these targets over the last two games alone. This massive 37.8% target share underscores his role in New York's offense. In the victory against Cleveland, Nabers had eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns, asserting his presence as a crucial playmaker for the Giants.
One expert opined, “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, [we can expect] another huge performance from the rookie.” Given Dallas' defensive struggles, Nabers has a prime opportunity to exploit their vulnerabilities.
Defensive Struggles
The Cowboys' defense, which allows 29.7 points per game, is proving to be a weak link. This ranks them as the second-worst in the league this season. The Giants will likely look to capitalize on this, especially with the offensive firepower they demonstrated against the Browns. If Jones and Nabers can find their rhythm against Dallas, they stand a chance of breaking the Cowboys' winning streak.
This upcoming clash between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants is more than just a game; it is a convergence of high stakes, historical rivalries, and standout individual performances. With Prescott leading the charge for the Cowboys and Nabers emerging as a pivotal player for the Giants, this matchup promises to be a compelling and high-scoring affair. Both teams will be looking to solidify their standings early in the season, making this a must-watch showdown for NFL fans everywhere.