The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants are set to clash yet again, marking their 125th encounter in Week 4. With a storied rivalry etched deeply into NFL history, this game is charged with more than just the pursuit of victory; it’s about continued dominance and hopeful resurgence.
Cowboys’ Commanding Series Lead
The Cowboys have historically held the upper hand in this rivalry, boasting a 75-47-2 record against the Giants. Adding salt to the wound, Dallas has emerged victorious in their last six meetings. The Giants’ most recent triumph over their Texan adversaries was during the 2020-21 NFL season.
In their last season's matchups, the Cowboys' offense was relentless, scoring at least 40 points in both games against the Giants. Dak Prescott, Dallas’ star quarterback, has been instrumental in these successes.
Prescott's Performance and Potential
Prescott, who recently inked a four-year, $240 million contract, led the league with 36 passing touchdowns last season while placing third in passing yards with 4,516. The Cowboys rode his arm to a 12-5 record, securing the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. In the postseason, Prescott amassed 403 passing yards and three touchdowns, supplemented by 45 rushing yards, demonstrating his multifaceted skill set.
Last week, Prescott showcased his rushing ability with a 1-yard touchdown run, racking up 379 passing yards and two touchdowns. As one pundit 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 Seek a Turnaround
The New York Giants snapped their winless streak with a 21-15 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Quarterback Daniel Jones threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns in a much-needed triumph. However, much of the spotlight has fallen on rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Nabers: A Rookie on the Rise
Since stepping onto the field, Nabers has been Jones' primary target, boasting 37 targets over the first three weeks—13 more than any other Giants player. His impact has been substantial, catching 30 of those passes in the last two games alone. His target share is an astounding 37.8%, accounting for 50.7% of all New York wide receiver targets this season.
In their victory over Cleveland, Nabers had eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his budding chemistry with Jones. The Giants are banking on Nabers' continued performance against a porous Cowboys defense that allows 29.7 points per game, ranking 30th in the NFL. One expert opines, "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."
A Showdown in the Spotlight
The matchup not only offers a thrilling chapter in the Cowboys-Giants saga but also provides a critical point in the seasons of both teams. The Cowboys aim to extend their winning streak against the Giants, while the Giants look to build momentum and reverse their fortunes in this historic rivalry.
The pressure on both teams is palpable, with Dallas aiming to solidify their supremacy and New York eager to prove that the gap is closing. With stars like Prescott and the emerging Nabers, the stage is set for a game filled with high stakes and electrifying moments, characteristic of one of the NFL's most enduring rivalries.