As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare to clash for the 125th time in Week 4, football fans are eager for another exciting chapter in this storied rivalry. With the Cowboys currently leading the all-time series with a 75-47-2 record, the stakes are higher than ever.
Cowboys' Dominance
The Cowboys have been dominant in recent years, winning the last six meetings against the Giants. Their last defeat to New York dates back to the 2020-21 NFL season. Last season, Dallas showcased explosive offensive performances, scoring at least 40 points in both encounters with the Giants.
Dak Prescott, Dallas' star quarterback, is at the heart of the team's offensive prowess. Prescott recently signed a four-year, $240 million contract, affirming his elite status in the league. Last season, he led the league with 36 passing touchdowns and finished third in passing yards with a total of 4,516. Prescott's performance helped the Cowboys achieve a 12-5 record, securing the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. In the playoffs, Prescott threw for 403 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 45 yards, demonstrating his dual-threat capability.
Prescott's Versatility
The latest game saw Prescott again proving his worth with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, 379 passing yards, and two touchdowns. An NFL expert 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 linchpin for the Cowboys' ongoing success.
Giants' Struggles and Potential
The Giants, on the other hand, have been striving to regain their footing. Their quarterback, Daniel Jones, managed to lead the team to a crucial victory over the Browns, with a 21-15 win marking their first of the season. Jones threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns in that game, displaying a glimpse of his potential.
A key asset for the Giants has been their rookie wide receiver, Malik Nabers, who was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Nabers has been a focal point in the Giants' offensive strategy, receiving 37 targets over the first three weeks, 13 more than any other player on the team. He has notably caught 30 of these targets in the last two games alone, showcasing his reliability and skill.
Nabers boasts a significant 37.8% target share and has accounted for 50.7% of all New York wide receiver targets this season. In the win against Cleveland, Nabers had eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns, making an immediate impact. An 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."
Defensive Challenges
Despite their offensive firepower, the Cowboys' defense has been a significant concern, conceding 29.7 points per game, making them the second-worst in the league this season. This defensive weakness could provide an opportunity for Jones and Nabers to exploit during their upcoming matchup.
As both teams get ready to face each other, the Cowboys hope to extend their winning streak against the Giants, while New York aims to turn the tide and secure a much-needed victory. With Prescott and Nabers being pivotal to their team's success, fans can expect a thrilling and high-scoring game.
The story of this rivalry continues to unfold, promising excitement and drama that only the NFL can deliver.