As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants gear up for their 125th meeting in the NFL, anticipation is building for what promises to be a high-stakes encounter. Historically, the Cowboys hold the upper hand in this rivalry, boasting a 75-47-2 all-time series record. Furthermore, Dallas has come out on top in the last six face-offs against New York. The last time the Giants managed to secure a win against Dallas was during the 2020-21 NFL season.
Last season, the Cowboys' offense was particularly formidable against the Giants, racking up at least 40 points in both of their matchups. A significant contributor to this offensive prowess is Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott. Currently in the spotlight, Prescott signed a lucrative four-year, $240 million contract, and his performance last season validated this investment. He led the league with 36 passing touchdowns and was third in passing yards, accumulating a hefty 4,516 yards. Last season, Prescott also steered Dallas to a commendable 12-5 record, clinching the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.
Prescott's Versatility
In the playoffs, Prescott demonstrated his dual-threat capability, throwing for 403 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 45 yards. Most recently, he exhibited this versatility by scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown, while also clocking 379 passing yards and two touchdowns in last week’s game. As one analyst 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."
Giants' Offensive Spark
On the flip side, the New York Giants are looking to build on their recent 21-15 victory over the Browns, which marked their first win of the season. Quarterback Daniel Jones was instrumental in this triumph, throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns. Adding a new dimension to the Giants’ offense this season is rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Nabers has quickly emerged as a focal point in New York's offensive scheme. With 37 targets in just three weeks—the highest by 13 targets over any other Giants player—he has become Jones' go-to option. The rookie's contribution has been vital, catching 30 of these targets over the last two games. His staggering 37.8% target share and responsibility for 50.7% of all New York wide receiver targets this season have not gone unnoticed. In the recent win against Cleveland, Nabers recorded eight receptions for 78 yards, including two touchdowns.
Expectations remain high for Nabers, especially given Dallas' defensive woes. The Cowboys' defense has been conceding a concerning 29.7 points per game, positioning them as the second-worst in the league this season. "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 (an NFL analyst) expects another huge performance from the rookie," an expert noted.
Defensive Struggles
While the Cowboys’ offense has often been the centerpiece, their defensive struggles have raised questions. Allowing nearly 30 points per game is a statistic that puts considerable pressure on Prescott and the offense to consistently put up high numbers. Balancing this dynamic will be critical for Dallas as they face a resurgent Giants team.
In conclusion, the stage is set for another thrilling encounter between the longstanding rivals. While the Cowboys have historical precedence and a powerhouse quarterback in Dak Prescott, the Giants are not to be underestimated, especially with promising talent like Malik Nabers making significant strides. The outcome will hinge on whether Dallas can tighten their defense and if the Giants’ emerging stars can rise to the occasion.