The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants are set to clash for the 125th time in Week 4 of the NFL season, with the Cowboys holding a commanding lead in the all-time series at 75-47-2. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes matchup, where both teams aim to solidify their standing early in the season.
Cowboys’ Dominance
Historically, the Cowboys have dominated this rivalry, winning the past six encounters against the Giants. Their recent offensive prowess was showcased last season when they scored over 40 points in both meetings. Dallas' quarterback Dak Prescott has been a pivotal figure in these wins, demonstrating his skill both in the air and on the ground. Despite not frequently using his rushing ability, Prescott's potential to scramble adds to his dynamic NFL DFS value.
Last season, Prescott led the league in passing touchdowns with an impressive 36 and secured the third spot in passing yards, amassing 4,516 yards. This extraordinary performance helped the Cowboys to a notable 12-5 record, securing the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. Even in postseason play, Prescott was a force, throwing for 403 yards and three touchdowns while adding another 45 yards on the ground.
Prescott's New Contract
Dallas has shown tremendous confidence in their signal-caller, signing Prescott to a four-year, $240 million contract. This deal underscores his value to the team and their belief in his ability to lead them to success. Prescott has continued to perform at a high level this season, throwing for 379 yards and two touchdowns last week, along with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, showcasing his multifaceted threat on the field.
Giants’ Rising Star
On the other side, the New York Giants are looking to break their losing streak against Dallas. Their last victory over the Cowboys dates back to the 2020-21 NFL season. The Giants are coming off a morale-boosting win against the Browns, where they won 21-15 for their first victory of the season. Quarterback Daniel Jones played a significant role in this triumph, throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns.
A standout performance came from rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Nabers has quickly become a cornerstone of the Giants' offense, receiving 37 targets over the first three weeks of the season, significantly more than any other player on the team. His reliability was on full display in the win against Cleveland, where he hauled in eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns.
Nabers' Impact
With a 37.8% target share and being responsible for 50.7% of all New York wide receiver targets this season, Nabers’ impact cannot be understated. His remarkable ability to get open and make critical catches has made him a favorite target for Jones. As an expert puts it, "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."
Struggling Cowboys’ Defense
Despite their offensive capabilities, the Cowboys face a critical challenge with their defense. Currently, Dallas' defense is permitting 29.7 points per game, making them the second-worst in the league this season. This vulnerability could provide an opening for the Giants, especially with Nabers’ burgeoning chemistry with Jones. The Giants will likely aim to exploit this weakness, seeking to end their losing streak against Dallas.
As both teams prepare for what promises to be a thrilling contest, the spotlight will be on how the Giants’ rookie sensation Nabers fares against Prescott and the Cowboys' high-powered offense. This game offers an opportunity for the Giants to make a statement and for the Cowboys to continue their dominance in this storied rivalry. As kickoff approaches, the stage is set for another memorable chapter in the Cowboys-Giants saga.