As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare to face off for the 125th time in Week 4, the stakes are high. For decades, these two NFC East rivals have battled fiercely, with the Cowboys holding a commanding lead in the all-time series at 75-47-2. Lately, the pendulum has swung decidedly in favor of Dallas, who have emerged victorious in the last six meetings between the teams. The Giants' last triumph over the Cowboys dates back to the 2020-21 NFL season.
This season, Dallas has showcased an explosive offense, particularly in their clashes with the Giants last year when they scored at least 40 points in both meetings. Much of this firepower comes from quarterback Dak Prescott, whose recent performances have cemented him as one of the elite signal-callers in the league.
Dak Prescott's Stellar Statistics
Prescott's excellence behind center is underscored by his new four-year, $240 million contract. The investment seems warranted given Prescott’s dominance last season, where he led the league with 36 passing touchdowns and finished third in passing yards with 4,516. Under Prescott’s leadership, Dallas secured a 12-5 record and the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.
In the playoffs, Prescott's versatility was on full display. He threw for 403 yards, three touchdowns, and rushed for 45 yards, demonstrating his dual-threat capability. "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," noted an expert commentator, underlining Prescott’s status as a multifaceted threat.
Rookie Sensation Malik Nabers
On the opposite sideline, the New York Giants are banking on the emergence of their star rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. Selected as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Nabers has quickly proven his worth. Over the first three weeks of the season, Nabers has been targeted 37 times—13 more than any other player on the Giants, boasting a remarkable 37.8% target share.
In their victorious outing against the Cleveland Browns, Nabers had eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns. His performance is a beacon of hope for the Giants’ offense. "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," observed an analyst, anticipating another standout game from the young receiver.
Defense: A Point of Concern for Dallas
While the Cowboys' offense shines, their defense paints a concerning picture. Allowing an average of 29.7 points per game, Dallas' defense ranks as the second-worst in the league this season. This vulnerability could be an opportunity for the Giants, who are eager to build on their first win of the season against the Browns, where quarterback Daniel Jones threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns.
As both teams prepare for their pivotal showdown, key performances will likely determine the outcome. Prescott will aim to continue his offensive dominance, while the Cowboys' defense must find a way to contain the explosive potential of Nabers and Jones. With the stage set for another classic encounter, fans can expect this storied rivalry to deliver all the thrills and drama that come with NFL football at its highest level.