The stage is set for an intense NFC East showdown at MetLife Stadium as the Dallas Cowboys face off against the New York Giants on Thursday night. It's a matchup that has been, in recent seasons, dominated by the Cowboys, with swift victories punctuating their last encounters—Dallas outscored the Giants 40-0 and 49-17 last season alone.
Recent Dominance and Streaks
Currently riding a six-game winning streak against the Giants, Dallas enters the game with the upper hand. Their recent success has also seen them secure the NFC East division title in two of the last three seasons. However, the Cowboys are looking to turn their fortunes around, as they aim to snap a two-game losing streak.
Despite their dominant performances against the Giants, the Cowboys' away record since the beginning of 2023 stands at an average 5-5. Comparatively, the Giants have recorded a 4-5 home record at MetLife Stadium since the start of last season.
Key Player Performances
Dak Prescott has been a consistent force against the Giants. In 13 career starts against New York, Prescott boasts a passer rating of 101.6, having completed 64% of his passes for 3,433 yards, 25 touchdowns, and six interceptions. This season, while his numbers have dipped slightly, with a passer rating of 85.8 and a completion rate of 60.7%, Prescott remains a critical component of Dallas’s offensive arsenal.
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has also made his mark against the Giants, with 38 receptions for 529 yards and two touchdowns across six games. Last season alone, Lamb caught 11 passes for 151 yards in their November 12 game against the Giants.
Adding to the offensive firepower is rookie Malik Nabers, who has emerged as a standout player for Dallas. Nabers leads the Cowboys this season with 23 receptions for 271 yards and three touchdowns. His ability to extend plays is evident with six receptions of 20 or more yards and an additional 127 yards after the catch, along with 14 first-down conversions.
Giants' Recent Performances
The Giants are coming off a hard-fought 21-15 victory over Cleveland, showcasing their resilience and potential to challenge the Cowboys. The last time the Giants celebrated a home win over Dallas was in 2020, winning 23-19.
Key to their offense is Wan'Dale Robinson, who has tallied 15 receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown this season. Robinson’s noteworthy performance against Cleveland saw him secure seven catches for 61 yards, underlining his role as a pivotal player for the Giants.
Betting Odds and Predictions
As the teams gear up, the Cowboys are positioned as 5.5-point favorites. The over/under for total points scored is set at 45.5, a figure that hints at a potentially high-scoring game. These numbers reflect both recent performances and historical trends between the two rivals.
A trusted betting model further supports the Cowboys' favoritism. With an impressive track record of well over $7,000 for $100 bettors on top-rated NFL picks, the model boasts a 188-130 win rate on top-rated NFL picks, including a 42-22 streak since Week 7 of the 2022 season.
As the whistle blows to start the game at MetLife Stadium, fans will be eagerly watching to see if the Cowboys can continue their dominance or if the Giants can defy the odds and secure a crucial win at home. Either way, the clash promises to be a thrill for football enthusiasts.