MetLife Stadium is set to light up on Thursday night as the Dallas Cowboys face off against the New York Giants in what promises to be a thrilling NFC East showdown. The Cowboys have had the upper hand in this rivalry recently, boasting dominant victories with scores of 40-0 and 49-17 last season.
Recent Performances and Streaks
The Cowboys are riding a six-game winning streak against the Giants, and they are hungry to add another win to that tally. Dallas has clinched the NFC East division title in two of the last three seasons. However, the team is also looking to break a two-game losing streak, and a victory on Thursday would be the perfect way to bounce back.
On the road, the Cowboys have managed a 5-5 away record since the beginning of 2023. In contrast, the Giants have a 4-5 home record at MetLife Stadium since the start of last season. This matchup will test the resilience of both teams in front of a passionate New York crowd.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Dak Prescott has been a standout performer against the Giants throughout his career. In 13 starts, he boasts a passer rating of 101.6, having completed 64% of his passes for 3,433 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. This season, Prescott's numbers are slightly down, with a passer rating of 85.8, completing 60.7% of his attempts for 851 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has also been a crucial weapon for the Cowboys against the Giants. In six games, Lamb has recorded 38 receptions for 529 yards and two touchdowns. Notably, he had an impressive performance last season on November 12, catching 11 passes for 151 yards.
Rookie Malik Nabers has emerged as a key figure for Dallas this season. Leading the team with 23 receptions for 271 yards and three touchdowns, Nabers has shown a knack for big plays, including six receptions of 20 or more yards and 127 yards after the catch. He has also converted 14 first downs.
The Giants’ Outlook
The New York Giants are coming off a hard-fought 21-15 victory over Cleveland, which could provide a morale boost heading into this crucial game. Their last home win over the Cowboys came in 2020, where they triumphed 23-19, signaling that history may offer some hope for the Giants.
Wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson is one of the players to watch for the Giants. This season, Robinson has 15 receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown, with his longest reception being 20 yards. He also accumulated 63 yards after the catch. In the recent win over Cleveland, Robinson had seven catches for 61 yards, showcasing his utility in the Giants' offense.
Betting Insights
For those looking at the betting landscape, the Cowboys are currently favored by 5.5 points. The over/under for the total points scored is set at 45.5. Betting models have been notably accurate, boasting a track record of well over $7,000 for $100 bettors on top-rated NFL picks. These models have posted a 188-130 record on top-rated NFL picks, including a remarkable 42-22 streak since Week 7 of the 2022 season.
This game is more than just another entry in the storied rivalry between these two franchises. With both teams striving to make a statement, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Dallas can extend their dominance or if New York will pull off an upset on home turf.