As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare to face off for the 125th time in Week 4, the stakes are palpable for both teams. The Cowboys enter the game with a commanding lead in the all-time series, holding a 75-47-2 record over their storied rivals. Expectations are high as Dallas has dominated the recent matchups, securing victories in the last six meetings against New York.
The Giants, however, are eager to reverse their fortunes. Their last victory over the Cowboys dates back to the 2020-21 NFL season, making it a critical encounter for New York. Given Dallas' scoring prowess last season, with the Cowboys putting up at least 40 points in both matchups, the Giants face a daunting challenge.
Key Players in Focus
Dak Prescott, the standout quarterback for the Cowboys, will undeniably play a pivotal role. Fresh off signing a new four-year contract worth $240 million, Prescott has been a driving force for Dallas. Last season, he led the league in passing touchdowns with 36 and placed third in passing yards with an impressive 4,516. His exceptional performance contributed significantly to the Cowboys' 12-5 record and their securing of the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.
In the playoffs last season, Prescott demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities, throwing for 403 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for an additional 45 yards. Last week, he continued to showcase his versatility, scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown alongside 379 passing yards and two touchdowns. As an expert 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."
Giants' Rising Star
On the other side, the Giants are pinning their hopes on rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. Picked sixth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Nabers has quickly established himself as a key player. Over the first three weeks, he has been targeted 37 times, a staggering 13 more targets than any other Giants player. Of these, he caught 30, making him a reliable target for quarterback Daniel Jones.
Nabers commands a remarkable 37.8% target share, accounting for 50.7% of all wide receiver targets for New York this season. His stellar performance in the Giants' recent win against the Cleveland Browns, where he logged eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns, underscores his potential. An analyst observed, "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."
Defensive Woes for Dallas
While the Cowboys offense has been prolific, their defense has been less impressive, allowing 29.7 points per game and ranking as the second-worst in the league this season. This glaring vulnerability provides a glimmer of hope for the Giants, who will look to exploit this defensive fragility.
The forthcoming clash will be a test of strategic prowess and execution for both teams. For Dallas, maintaining their offensive juggernaut while bolstering their defensive stands will be critical. Meanwhile, New York must leverage their burgeoning talent in Nabers and the steady arm of Daniel Jones to navigate through Dallas' defensive letdowns.
As anticipation builds for this high-stakes matchup, the only certainty is that both teams will leave it all on the field, each vying to tilt the scales in their favor in this historic rivalry.