As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare to clash for the 125th time in Week 4, the matchup brings heightened anticipation and significant stakes.
Dominance by the Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have historically dominated this rivalry, boasting a 75-47-2 all-time record against the New York Giants. They have also won the last six encounters between these two formidable teams. The last victory for the Giants over the Cowboys dates back to the 2020-21 NFL season. Last season, the Cowboys showcased their offensive prowess by scoring at least 40 points in both meetings with the Giants.
Dak Prescott: The Key to Dallas' Success
At the helm of the Cowboys' offense is quarterback Dak Prescott, whose performance has been central to Dallas' recent successes. Prescott, fresh off signing a lucrative four-year, $240 million contract, led the league in passing touchdowns last season with 36 and finished third in passing yards with 4,516. His excellence on the field helped Dallas achieve a 12-5 record and secure the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.
Prescott's versatility adds to his value, as seen in his playoff performance, where he threw for 403 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 45 yards. Last week, he showcased his multifaceted talent again, contributing a 1-yard rushing touchdown along with 379 passing yards and two touchdowns. "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 remarked on Prescott's versatility.
The Rising Star of Malik Nabers
On the other side of the gridiron, the New York Giants are relying on the promising talent of rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. The No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has been a revelation for the Giants, amassing 37 targets over the first three weeks—13 more than any other player on the team. Nabers has caught 30 of these targets in the last two games alone, reflecting his growing importance in the Giants' offensive setup.
In New York's recent 21-15 victory over the Browns, Nabers had eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his potential to make game-changing plays. With a remarkable 37.8% target share, he has been responsible for 50.7% of all targets to New York's wide receivers this season. Another huge target share is likely on Thursday, especially with the Cowboys' defense struggling, allowing 29.7 points per game and ranking 30th in the NFL. "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," an expert predicted.
Quarterback Comparisons and Future Prospects
Giants' quarterback Daniel Jones has also shown promise, having thrown for 236 yards and two touchdowns in the win against the Browns. While his numbers are commendable, the Giants will be looking for him to elevate his performance to match Prescott's output if they aim to snap their losing streak against the Cowboys.
The Dallas Cowboys' defensive woes could offer the Giants an opportunity to exploit weaknesses, but the Cowboys' high-powered offense, led by Prescott, will undoubtedly test the Giants' resilience. With both teams having much to prove and plenty at stake, the 125th meeting between these rivals promises to be another compelling chapter in their storied history.