As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare for their 125th clash in Week 4, the stakes are enormous, with both teams looking to solidify their positions early in the season. The Cowboys, leading the all-time series with a record of 75-47-2, have dominated recent encounters, winning the last six games against the Giants. The last time New York emerged victorious was during the 2020-21 NFL season, underscoring Dallas’ recent supremacy in this storied rivalry.
Dallas Cowboys' Current Form
Last season, the Cowboys demonstrated their offensive might by scoring at least 40 points in both meetings with the Giants. Quarterback Dak Prescott has been a central figure in this offensive juggernaut. Prescott, under a lucrative four-year, $240 million contract, led the league with 36 passing touchdowns last season. Additionally, he finished third in passing yards with 4,516, driving Dallas to a 12-5 record and the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.
Prescott’s versatility has been a key asset. He showcased his dual-threat ability both in the playoffs, where he threw for 403 yards and three touchdowns, and last week when he added a 1-yard rushing touchdown to his stat sheet along with 379 passing yards and two touchdowns. As an expert put it, “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.” This dimension of Prescott's game keeps defenses on their toes, adding layers to Dallas' offensive strategies.
New York Giants' Strategy
While the Giants have struggled against the Cowboys recently, they enter this week’s matchup with renewed vigor after securing their first win of the season against the Browns, with a 21-15 victory. Daniel Jones showcased his arm strength and accuracy by throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns. The key player for the Giants, however, might just be their rookie wide receiver, Malik Nabers.
Selected with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Nabers has proven to be an indispensable target for Jones. Over the first three weeks, Nabers has commanded 37 targets, 13 more than any other Giants player. Remarkably, he has caught 30 of these targets in just the last two games, asserting his dominance and dependability early on in his professional career. In their win against Cleveland, Nabers had eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to consistently produce is reflected in his 37.8% target share and responsibility for 50.7% of all New York wide receiver targets this season.
With such performances, expectations for Nabers are sky-high. As one expert 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.” The Giants will undoubtedly look to capitalize on Dallas' defensive vulnerabilities, relying heavily on Nabers' playmaking abilities.
Defensive Challenges
One of the most pressing issues for Dallas entering this game is their porous defense, as they are currently allowing 29.7 points per game, making them the second-worst in the league this season. This defensive lapse could prove costly against a Giants team that has found a spark in its offense, particularly with Nabers’ emergence. To turn the tide, the Cowboys' defense needs to tighten up, focusing on restricting big plays and forcing turnovers.
Conclusion
As both teams gear up for this high-stakes matchup, the focus will inevitably be on how the Cowboys manage to counter the fresh energy of the Giants and whether the Giants can exploit the defensive gaps in Dallas’ armor. With key players like Prescott and Nabers at the helm, fans are in for what promises to be a gripping and hard-fought contest. The outcomes could very well hinge on individual brilliance and tactical acumen, making this one of the most anticipated games of the week.