As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare to face off for the 125th time in Week 4, the clash promises to be a high-stakes encounter filled with rich narratives and compelling matchups. With the Cowboys holding a 75-47-2 advantage in the all-time series, they come into this game with confidence, bolstered by a dominating recent history over their NFC East rivals, having won the last six meetings.
Cowboys' Offensive Firepower
The Cowboys' offense has been nothing short of explosive, especially when facing the Giants. In their two encounters last season, Dallas put up a staggering 40 points in each game. Leading this offensive juggernaut is Dak Prescott, the star quarterback who continues to justify his hefty four-year, $240 million contract.
Last season, Prescott led the league in passing touchdowns with 36 and finished third in passing yards with 4,516, driving the Cowboys to a 12-5 record and the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. His performance in the playoffs was equally impressive, throwing for 403 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 45 yards.
Prescott's Versatility
Prescott's ability to make plays with his legs adds another dimension to his game, even if he doesn't showcase this element as often. "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," an expert noted, highlighting Prescott's underrated versatility.
In the previous week, Prescott demonstrated this dual-threat capability once again, scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown and amassing 379 passing yards with two touchdowns. As the Cowboys gear up to take on the Giants, Prescott's form will be crucial.
Giants Eyeing an Upset
On the other side of the ball, the Giants are eager to turn their season around. Their last victory over the Cowboys came during the 2020-21 NFL season, a statistic they'll be desperate to change. Coming off a 21-15 win against the Browns, where quarterback Daniel Jones threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns, the Giants are riding a wave of newfound optimism.
Malik Nabers: The Rising Star
A significant part of this optimism stems from rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. Selected as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Nabers has quickly established himself as Daniel Jones' favorite target. With 37 targets over the first three weeks—13 more than any other player on the Giants—Nabers' impact on the field has been profound.
In the win against Cleveland, Nabers had eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns, underlining his potential. "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," another expert opined.
Indeed, with a 37.8% target share and responsible for 50.7% of all New York wide receiver targets this season, Nabers is poised to continue his breakout campaign. His chemistry with Jones and ability to exploit defensive weaknesses will be critical if the Giants are to challenge the Cowboys.
Defensive Struggles
While the spotlight often shines on the offensive stars, both teams will need to address their defensive issues. The Cowboys, despite their offensive prowess, are allowing 29.7 points per game, making them the second-worst defense in the league this season. This vulnerability could provide an opening for Jones and Nabers to exploit.
As the Cowboys and Giants renew their storied rivalry, fans can expect a game filled with high drama, star performances, and perhaps a few surprises. With Prescott and Nabers in the spotlight, this Week 4 matchup could provide pivotal moments in both teams' seasons.