As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare to face off for the 125th time in Week 4, the stakes are high. The Cowboys currently lead the all-time series against the Giants with a commanding 75-47-2 record. Adding to the pressure for the Giants, the Cowboys have won the last six meetings between these storied rivals.
Recent Dominance and Offensive Firepower
Dallas has not only dominated the series recently, but they've done so in spectacular fashion. The Cowboys scored at least 40 points in both meetings against the Giants last season. Leading the charge for Dallas is quarterback Dak Prescott. Fresh off signing a lucrative four-year, $240 million contract, Prescott is poised to be a central figure in this week's showdown.
Prescott's Impact
Prescott's performance last season was nothing short of stellar. He led the league in passing touchdowns with 36 and finished third in passing yards with 4,516. This stellar play was instrumental in Dallas achieving a 12-5 record, securing the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. In the postseason, Prescott continued to impress, throwing for 403 yards and three touchdowns, coupled with 45 rushing yards.
Prescott's versatility is a key asset to the Cowboys. "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," as one expert noted. Last week, Prescott demonstrated his multi-dimensional capabilities by scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown and amassing 379 passing yards with two touchdowns.
A Struggling Defense
While the Cowboys' offense has shown flashes of greatness, the defense has left much to be desired. Allowing 29.7 points per game places them as the second-worst in the league this season. This weakness could be a critical factor in their upcoming clash with the Giants, as New York will look to exploit any and all defensive lapses.
The Giants' New Hope: Malik Nabers
On the Giants' side, rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers is turning heads with his breakout performances. Nabers, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has been a focal point in New York's offense. He has garnered 37 targets over the first three weeks, 13 more than any other player on the team. Impressively, Nabers has caught 30 of these targets in just the last two games, boasting a staggering 37.8% target share and accounting for 50.7% of all wide receiver targets for the Giants this season.
Performance Under Pressure
Nabers showcased his talent in the Giants' recent victory over the Cleveland Browns, contributing eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns. This win, the Giants' first of the season, also highlighted quarterback Daniel Jones' potential as he threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns.
Heading into Week 4, Nabers is expected to play another pivotal role. As one analyst pointed out, "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."
Both teams have much to prove in this high-stakes game. With offensive firepower from Prescott and emerging talent in Nabers, the matchup promises to be a thrilling contest. For the Cowboys, extending their winning streak will solidify their dominance in the rivalry. For the Giants, a victory could mark a turning point, especially with standout performances from their emerging stars. As the teams take to the field, fans can expect nothing short of a captivating game, rich in history and brimming with competitive fervor.