The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants are set to clash for the 125th time in Week 4, and the significance of this encounter cannot be overstated. The Cowboys, boasting a 75-47-2 all-time series lead over the Giants, have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning the last six showdowns.
During the last NFL season, Dallas dominated their rival, scoring at least 40 points in both encounters. This explosive performance was powered by quarterback Dak Prescott, who signed a four-year, $240 million contract to stay with the Cowboys. Prescott had an impressive season, leading the league with 36 passing touchdowns and finishing third with 4,516 passing yards.
The Cowboys finished the previous season with a 12-5 record, securing the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. Prescott's performance in the playoffs was noteworthy, where he threw for 403 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 45 yards. This impressive form continued into the current season, with Prescott scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown and racking up 379 passing yards and two touchdowns last week.
However, the Cowboys’ defensive struggles are a concern, as they are allowing 29.7 points per game, ranking them 30th in the NFL this season. This vulnerability on defense could play a crucial role in the upcoming game.
Rising Star: Malik Nabers
The New York Giants, on the other hand, have reasons to be optimistic. They notched their first win of the season with a 21-15 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Quarterback Daniel Jones played a key role in the win, throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Giants' season thus far is rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Nabers has quickly become a focal point of the Giants' offense, with 37 targets over the first three weeks, which is 13 more than any other player on the team. He has caught 30 of these targets in just the last two games and boasts a 37.8% target share, responsible for 50.7% of all wide receiver targets on the Giants this season.
In their win against Cleveland, Nabers had a standout performance with eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Expert analyses highlight Nabers' potential for another big game. One such expert noted, "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."
Prescott's Versatility
Prescott's value to the Cowboys isn't limited to his passing prowess. His ability to scramble and create offensive opportunities with his legs adds another layer to his game. As one analyst remarked, "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 a constant threat and a significant challenge for the Giants’ defense.
As the two teams prepare to face off, all eyes will be on these key players. Prescott's leadership and dynamic playmaking capabilities will be crucial for the Cowboys, while the Giants will look to their emerging star Nabers to spearhead their offensive efforts. Given the Cowboys’ recent dominant performances against the Giants and their offensive firepower, they may seem to have the upper hand. However, the Giants' potential to exploit Dallas' defensive weaknesses and Nabers' rapid ascension add a layer of unpredictability to this highly anticipated matchup.
This contest is sure to be a riveting chapter in the storied rivalry between these iconic NFL franchises. Football fans will be eagerly awaiting to see whether the Cowboys can extend their winning streak against the Giants, or if New York can turn the tide and secure a much-needed victory.