The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants are gearing up for their highly anticipated 125th encounter in Week 4, with both teams bringing intriguing narratives into the matchup. History favors the Cowboys, who lead the all-time series 75-47-2. Dallas has dominated recent meetings, winning the last six in a row, bolstered by their dynamic quarterback, Dak Prescott.
Cowboys Riding High on Prescott's Leadership
Prescott, now in the first year of his lucrative four-year, $240 million contract, has proven to be worth every penny. Last season, he showcased his talent by leading the league with 36 passing touchdowns and amassing 4,516 passing yards, ranking third overall. His performance helped the Cowboys achieve a 12-5 record and secure the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.
In the playoffs, Prescott's versatility was on full display as he threw for 403 yards and three touchdowns while also adding 45 rushing yards. Last week, he continued to impress with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, 379 passing yards, and two touchdowns. As an NFL DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) player, Prescott's dual-threat ability is invaluable. "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."
Giants Searching for Momentum
On the other side, the New York Giants are looking to build on their first win of the season, a 21-15 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Quarterback Daniel Jones was solid, throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns. However, much of the Giants' offensive excitement surrounds rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers.
Selected as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Nabers has quickly become a focal point in New York's passing game. Over the first three weeks, Nabers has been targeted 37 times, 13 more than any other Giants player, illustrating his integral role. He has caught 30 of these targets in the last two games, contributing to a remarkable 37.8% target share and accounting for 50.7% of all the Giants' wide receiver targets this season.
Nabers' standout performance in the win against Cleveland included eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns. With the Cowboys' defense allowing 29.7 points per game, the second-worst in the league this season, experts predict another strong showing from the rookie. "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 Struggles and Offensive Potency
One of the key elements to watch will be how the Cowboys' defense handles the Giants' evolving offense. Dallas' defense has struggled mightily, giving up an average of 29.7 points per game. This vulnerability could provide an opening for the Giants to capitalize, especially with a rising star like Nabers on their side.
Conversely, the Cowboys' offense has shown explosive potential, notably scoring at least 40 points in both meetings against the Giants last season. Maintaining this offensive prowess against a Giants team trying to find its footing could be crucial for Dallas.
The Stakes of Rivalry
As these two teams prepare to clash, the stakes are more than just about outperforming the other. For the Cowboys, it’s about continuing their dominance and proving that they remain a force in the NFC. For the Giants, it’s an opportunity to break a losing streak and build momentum with their emerging talents.
With Dak Prescott and Malik Nabers each playing pivotal roles for their respective teams, Week 4 promises to be a thrilling contest. Whether it’s the seasoned veteran leading the charge or the fresh rookie making his mark, this game has all the elements of a classic rivalry showdown.