As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants gear up to face each other for the 125th time in Week 4, the stakes couldn't be higher. Historically, the Cowboys have dominated this matchup, leading the all-time series with a 75-47-2 record. This season, Dallas is looking to continue its winning streak against the Giants, having won their last six meetings. However, the Giants aim to turn the tide, their last victory over the Cowboys dating back to the 2020-21 NFL season. Both teams have plenty to prove.
Dallas Offense: Prescott's Performance
The Cowboys’ offense is spearheaded by their star quarterback, Dak Prescott. His recent four-year contract, worth $240 million, highlights the team's commitment to him. Last season, Prescott led the league with 36 passing touchdowns and finished third in passing yards, amassing 4,516 yards. His strong performance helped the Cowboys secure a 12-5 record and the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.
Prescott’s prowess was evident even in the playoff games, where he threw for 403 yards and three touchdowns, alongside rushing for 45 yards. Most recently, in last week's game, Prescott showcased his dual-threat ability by scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown, along with delivering 379 passing yards and two touchdowns. His versatility adds significant value to the team’s dynamic.
"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," an observer noted, highlighting the quarterback's multifaceted skill set.
New Strategies: Giants' Emerging Talent
The Giants, on the other hand, have had a rocky start but recently secured their first win of the season against the Cleveland Browns, with a 21-15 victory. Quarterback Daniel Jones played a crucial role, throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns. However, the standout performance came from rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Nabers has been exceptional, especially in the opening weeks. His 37 targets are 13 more than any other player on the Giants, and he has impressively caught 30 of these over the last two games alone. His 37.8% target share underscores his role as a primary offensive weapon, making him responsible for 50.7% of all targets to New York wide receivers this season.
In the victory against Cleveland, Nabers recorded eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns, cementing his status as a key contributor. With Dallas' defense allowing an alarming 29.7 points per game, the second-worst in the league this season, Nabers is poised for another huge performance.
"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," an expert cited, illuminating the rookie's potential to exploit a porous Cowboys' defense.
Defensive Concerns for Dallas
The Achilles' heel for Dallas has been its defense. With an average of 29.7 points allowed per game, they are ranked 30th in the NFL. This vulnerability in their defense provides an opening for the Giants to exploit, especially with their emerging offensive talents like Nabers. Dallas will need to tighten their defense significantly if they hope to maintain their winning streak against the Giants and improve their standing in the league.
As the two teams prepare for their encounter, all eyes will be on the hurdles Dallas' defense faces and how effectively their potent offense, led by Prescott, can counter the Giants' strategies. For New York, the focus will be on capitalizing on Dallas' defensive weaknesses and continuing to develop their dynamic rookies.
With both teams having so much at stake and a plethora of talent on display, this matchup is set to be a pivotal moment in their respective seasons. Enthusiasts of the NFL can expect an electrifying game filled with strategic plays and standout performances.