The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants are set to clash for the 125th time in a much-anticipated Week 4 showdown. This rivalry, steeped in history, has the Cowboys leading the all-time series with a 75-47-2 record and a six-game winning streak against the Giants.
High Stakes Showdown
The Cowboys have had the upper hand in recent meetings, including a dominant performance last season where they scored at least 40 points in both encounters. The last time the Giants tasted victory over Dallas was during the 2020-21 NFL season, adding more fuel to their desire to break the losing streak.
Dallas, led by quarterback Dak Prescott, comes into this game with significant expectations. Prescott, who recently signed a four-year, $240 million contract, is a vital cog in the Cowboys' offense. Last season, he led the league with 36 passing touchdowns and ranked third with 4,516 passing yards, guiding Dallas to a 12-5 record and securing the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.
Prescott's Versatility
Prescott's versatility is a critical asset, as seen in his playoff performance where he threw for 403 yards and three touchdowns while adding 45 rushing yards. Even last week, Prescott showcased his dual-threat capability, scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown and accumulating 379 passing yards and two touchdowns. As experts note, "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' Recent Struggles and Emerging Talent
The New York Giants, on the other hand, are eager to reverse their fortunes. They secured their first win of the season by defeating the Browns 21-15, with quarterback Daniel Jones throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns. However, the spotlight hasn't solely been on Jones. Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, picked No. 6 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, has quickly become a focal point of the Giants' offense.
Nabers' impact is evident with 37 targets over the first three weeks, 13 more than any other player on the team. Over the last two games, Nabers caught 30 of these targets and boasts an impressive 37.8% target share. His contributions are further highlighted by being responsible for 50.7% of all New York wide receiver targets this season. In their victory against Cleveland, Nabers had eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns.
Nabers’ Rising Star
Experts have high expectations for Nabers' continued performance, especially against a Cowboys' defense that is allowing 29.7 points per game, the second-worst in the league this season. "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," noted one analyst.
Defensive Concerns for Dallas
While Dallas boasts a potent offense, their defensive struggles could play a significant role in the outcome of this game. The Cowboys' defense has been porous, surrendering nearly 30 points per game. This vulnerability could provide opportunities for the Giants, particularly for emerging talent like Nabers, to exploit and potentially turn the tide in their favor.
As both teams prepare for this critical matchup, the narratives are filled with intriguing subplots. Will the Cowboys continue their dominance over the Giants, or will New York find a way to snap their losing streak? Can Prescott maintain his elite performance and lead Dallas to another high-scoring affair, or will the Giants’ defense rise to the occasion? Equally, how will Nabers fare against a struggling Cowboys defense, and will he continue to be the breakout star for New York?
The answers will unfold under the bright lights of the upcoming game, promising a thrilling contest that fans won't want to miss.