As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare to clash for their 125th encounter in Week 4, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. This storied rivalry finds the Cowboys at a significant advantage, boasting a commanding 75-47-2 lead in the all-time series. Adding to the intrigue, Dallas has emerged victorious in the past six meetings between these two teams.
The Cowboys aim to extend this dominance powered by their star quarterback, Dak Prescott. Fresh off signing a lucrative four-year, $240 million contract, Prescott has already proven his worth. He led the league with 36 passing touchdowns last season and ranked third in passing yards, amassing 4,516 yards through the air. Last season, he helped steer the Cowboys to an impressive 12-5 record, clinching the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. In the playoffs, Prescott continued his stellar performance, throwing for 403 yards, three touchdowns, and adding 45 rushing yards to his statistics. His versatility was also on display last week when he scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown alongside 379 passing yards and two more touchdowns.
Struggles on Defense
However, the Cowboys' journey has not been entirely smooth. While their offense remains potent, their defense has been a glaring weakness, allowing an average of 29.7 points per game this season, positioning them as the second-worst defense in the league. This defensive frailty could be a significant factor in the upcoming game against the Giants.
Giants’ Offensive Weapons
On the other side of the field, the New York Giants have shown flashes of brilliance. Their quarterback, Daniel Jones, recently led them to their first win of the season, a 21-15 victory over the Browns, throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns. A key component of their offensive strategy has been rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. Selected as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Nabers has quickly become Jones' favorite target.
Nabers has been making waves with 37 targets over just the first three weeks, surpassing any other Giants player by a significant margin. His performance in the recent win against Cleveland was particularly noteworthy, with eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns. His target share stands at an impressive 37.8%, responsible for over half of New York's wide receiver targets this season. Expert analysis indicates that Nabers is set to continue his productive streak. "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," suggests a prognosticator's view.
The Prescott Factor
As for the Cowboys, the widespread belief is that Prescott’s dual-threat capabilities can tip the scales. "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," one seasoned observer noted. With such high-profile offensive firepower, the matchup promises to be explosive.
The last Giants’ victory over the Cowboys dates back to the 2020-21 NFL season, and they will be eager to break Dallas' winning streak. While the Cowboys have managed to score at least 40 points in both of their matchups against the Giants last season, it’s clear both teams have evolved in their strategies and rosters since then.
High Stakes Encounter
This Week 4 showdown is more than just another game. It’s a litmus test for both teams—an opportunity for the Cowboys to assert their dominance and for the Giants to showcase their growth. With significant upgrades on both sides, particularly the Giants' promising rookie, the outcome is far from predictable.
As fans gear up for this critical matchup, all eyes will be on Prescott and Nabers, two standout players whose performances could very well dictate the outcome. Whether it's Prescott's arm and legs carrying the Cowboys or Nabers' tenacity and skill boosting the Giants, this game is set to be a thrilling chapter in the storied rivalry between Dallas and New York.