As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare to meet for the 125th time in Week 4 of the NFL season, both teams bring compelling narratives to the field.
Historic Rivalry
The Cowboys currently lead the all-time series against the Giants with a 75-47-2 record, highlighting their historical dominance. Dallas has won the last six encounters against New York, with the Giants' last victory coming during the 2020-21 NFL season. This adds an extra layer of tension and competition to the upcoming game, considering Dallas' recent offensive prowess.
Cowboys' Offensive Strength
The cornerstone of the Cowboys' recent success has been quarterback Dak Prescott. After signing a lucrative four-year contract worth $240 million, Prescott has continued to justify the investment. He led the league in passing touchdowns with 36 last season and secured the third spot in passing yards with 4,516. The Cowboys finished last season with a strong 12-5 record, capturing the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.
Prescott’s versatility was on full display in the playoffs, where he threw for 403 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 45 yards. Just last week, he showed his multifaceted skill set again by scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown and amassing 379 passing yards with two touchdowns. An NFL analyst commented, "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."
Emerging Giants
On the other side of the ball, the New York Giants are looking to capitalize on their first win of the season, a 21-15 victory over the Browns. Quarterback Daniel Jones threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns, showing signs of growing confidence. However, much of the offensive spotlight is on rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, who was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Nabers has quickly become a favorite target, leading the Giants with 37 targets over the first three weeks of the season. Notably, he has caught 30 of these passes in just the last two games, embodying a remarkable 37.8% target share. In the recent win against Cleveland, Nabers recorded eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns. An 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."
Defensive Concerns
While both teams showcase promising offensive players, defense remains a significant concern, particularly for the Cowboys. Dallas’ defense is currently allowing 29.7 points per game, making them the second-worst in the league. This vulnerability could be pivotal in the outcome of the game, especially considering the explosive potential on both sides.
The matchup between these two historic rivals extends beyond mere numbers and statistics. It’s a testament to resilience, skill, and the relentless pursuit of victory. As the Cowboys and Giants clash once again, fans eagerly anticipate a game that will likely be decided by key performances from players like Dak Prescott and Malik Nabers. For both teams, this week’s game is not just another notch in their storied rivalry but a crucial battle in their respective quests for the playoffs.