As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants gear up to meet for the 125th time in Week 4, the stakes are high and the storyline couldn't be more compelling. With the Cowboys holding a 75-47-2 record in the all-time series, they enter this matchup with momentum, having won the last six meetings against the Giants. Notably, the Giants' last victory over the Cowboys was during the 2020-21 NFL season.
Prescott: The Offensive Engine
Leading the charge for the Cowboys is quarterback Dak Prescott, whose new four-year, $240 million contract underscores his value to the team. Prescott had a stellar performance last season, leading the league with 36 passing touchdowns and finishing third in passing yards with 4,516. His leadership on the field propelled Dallas to a 12-5 record and the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.
The playoffs saw Prescott further showcase his skill set, throwing for 403 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 45 yards. Last week, he continued his multi-dimensional onslaught with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, 379 passing yards, and two touchdowns. This versatility was noted by analysts who pointed out, "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."
Challenges for the Cowboys' Defense
While Dallas has been robust on offense, their defense has been less formidable. Allowing 29.7 points per game, the Cowboys’ defense ranks as the second-worst in the league this season. This vulnerability could be a key factor in the upcoming game, especially against a resurgent Giants team.
Giants Seek Momentum
The New York Giants recently secured their first win of the season by defeating the Browns 21-15. Quarterback Daniel Jones played a pivotal role, throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns in that game. However, the spotlight has increasingly turned towards rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers.
Nabers: The Rising Star
Selected as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Nabers is already making waves. Over the first three weeks, he has amassed 37 targets—13 more than any other Giants player—showcasing his integral role in the offense. Nabers has caught 30 of these targets over the last two games, boasting an impressive 37.8% target share and accounting for 50.7% of all the Giants’ wide receiver targets this season.
Nabers displayed his potential against the Browns, recording eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns. 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 Key Matchup
This upcoming matchup features a dynamic clash between Prescott’s high-octane offense and the emerging threat posed by Nabers. Both teams are looking to solidify their positions early in the season, and the game is poised to offer thrilling football action. The Giants will aim to capitalize on the Cowboys' defensive lapses, while Dallas will look to Prescott to continue his impressive performance and extend their winning streak.
As the two rivals go head-to-head, fans can expect a game filled with strategic maneuvers, remarkable plays, and the kind of drama that defines NFL showdowns. This week’s game is more than a battle for supremacy in the standings; it's a contest steeped in history, rivalry, and high stakes.