As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare to clash for the 125th time in Week 4, the tension is palpable. The Cowboys boast a commanding lead in the all-time series, with a 75-47-2 record against the Giants, and they are riding high on a six-game winning streak over their rivals.
Last season, the Cowboys' offensive prowess was on full display as they scored over 40 points in both meetings against the Giants. Leading the charge once again is quarterback Dak Prescott, whose impressive stats from last season have set the stage for heightened expectations. Prescott led the league with 36 passing touchdowns and finished third in passing yards with 4,516, steering Dallas to a 12-5 record and the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. In the postseason, Prescott showcased his dual-threat capability, throwing for 403 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for an additional 45 yards, capped by a 1-yard rushing touchdown last week along with 379 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Prescott's impact on the Cowboys' offense cannot be overstated. As one expert put it, "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."
High Stakes for the Giants
For the New York Giants, the stakes are equally high. The team is looking to build momentum following their first win of the season, a 21-15 victory over the Browns. Quarterback Daniel Jones led the way, throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns. Much of Jones' success can be attributed to rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Nabers has quickly become a focal point of the Giants' offensive strategy. He has garnered 37 targets over the first three weeks, far outpacing any other player on the team by at least 13 targets. With a 37.8% target share, Nabers has been responsible for 50.7% of all New York wide receiver targets this season, making him a critical asset for the Giants.
In the victory against Cleveland, Nabers hauled in eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns, underscoring his immediate impact on the team. According to an expert, "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."
Defensive Concerns for Dallas
Despite the offensive fireworks, the Cowboys have significant challenges on the defensive side of the ball. Allowing an average of 29.7 points per game, they rank as the second-worst defense in the league this season. This glaring vulnerability could provide an opening for Jones and Nabers to exploit, potentially turning the tide in favor of the Giants.
In summary, both teams have much at stake in this pivotal matchup. The Cowboys look to extend their dominance over the Giants and continue their winning streak, led by the formidable Dak Prescott. Meanwhile, the Giants aim to build on their recent success, hoping that the dynamic duo of Jones and Nabers can capitalize on Dallas' defensive shortcomings. The stage is set for what promises to be an exhilarating encounter between these NFC East rivals.