As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare to face off for the 125th time in the much-anticipated Week 4 Thursday Night Football matchup, the stakes couldn't be higher. Both teams have storied histories and passionate fan bases, but recent history has been particularly favorable for the Cowboys.
Cowboys' Dominance
The Cowboys lead the all-time series against the Giants with a commanding 75-47-2 record. Adding to their dominance, Dallas has won the last six meetings between these NFC East rivals. The last time the Giants secured a victory over the Cowboys was during the 2020-21 NFL season.
Recent encounters have been particularly one-sided, with the Cowboys scoring at least 40 points in both of their meetings against the Giants last season. This offensive firepower is a testament to the formidable unit fielded by Dallas, primarily led by quarterback Dak Prescott.
Dak Prescott: The Maestro
Prescott has proven to be one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks. Fresh off a lucrative four-year, $240 million contract, Prescott became the highest-paid player on the day of this year's season-opener. Last season, he led the league in passing touchdowns with 36 and finished third in passing yards with 4,516, guiding Dallas to a 12-5 record and the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.
Prescott's playoff performance further underscored his value, as he threw for 403 yards and three touchdowns, albeit with two interceptions, while also rushing for 45 yards. Adding to his versatility, he scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown just last week to complement his 379 passing yards and two touchdowns. As noted, “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.”
Giants' Resurgence and Key Players
On the other side of the ball, the Giants are looking to turn the tide this season. Coming off their first win of the season where they defeated the Browns 21-15, the Giants are showing signs of life. In that victory, quarterback Daniel Jones threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns, steering the ship effectively.
A key factor for the Giants has been the emergence of rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Nabers has been nothing short of spectacular, with 37 targets over the first three weeks, which is 13 more than any other player on the Giants. He has hauled in 30 of those targets over the last two games alone, solidifying his role as Jones' go-to receiver.
Nabers boasts a staggering 37.8% target share and has been responsible for 50.7% of all New York wide receiver targets this season. In the recent win against Cleveland, Nabers tallied eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Given this level of activity, it's no surprise that experts are keen on his prospects. As one analyst 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 Struggles and Opportunities
Both teams have had their share of defensive woes this season. The Cowboys’ defense has been porous, allowing an average of 29.7 points per game, making them the second-worst in the league. This opens up opportunities for Jones and Nabers to exploit a weak defensive unit.
Comparatively, the Giants have had a more resilient defense, albeit inconsistent at times. Dallas’ high-octane offense will undoubtedly test New York's resolve, forcing them to adapt quickly if they hope to stem the tide of Prescott's clinical accuracy and dynamic playmaking ability.
Upcoming Showdown
As these two rivals clash, the storyline is rich with intriguing matchups and individual battles. Can the Cowboys continue their unbeaten streak against the Giants, or will New York rise to the occasion and score a significant divisional win? Will Malik Nabers further cement his status as a rising star, or will the Cowboys’ offense prove too potent to counter?
The upcoming game promises to be a thrilling encounter, highlighting the ongoing narratives of dominance, resurgence, and individual brilliance. With so much at stake, fans from both sides will be eagerly tuning in, ready to witness the next chapter in this enduring rivalry.