As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare for their 125th encounter in Week 4 of the NFL season, the stakes couldn't be higher. Historically, the Cowboys have dominated this series, leading with a 75-47-2 record. This rivalry has seen Dallas winning the last six meetings, underlining their recent supremacy.
Dallas Cowboys: A Look at Recent Dominance
In their previous season, the Cowboys' offense seemed unstoppable against the Giants, scoring at least 40 points in both meetings. Central to this offensive juggernaut is quarterback Dak Prescott, who continues to showcase his elite skills. Prescott, who recently signed a four-year, $240 million contract, led the league with 36 passing touchdowns last season and finished third in passing yards with 4,516.
Prescott's performance is not just limited to the regular season. In the playoffs, he threw for 403 yards and three touchdowns, adding 45 yards on the ground. In their most recent game, Prescott displayed his dual-threat capability again by scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown alongside 379 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Giants Looking for a Turnaround
The New York Giants, on the other hand, are looking to reverse their fortunes. Their last win against the Cowboys was during the 2020-21 NFL season. This season, the Giants secured their first win against the Cleveland Browns with a 21-15 victory. Quarterback Daniel Jones threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns in that game, showing signs of potential.
The Rookie Sensation: Malik Nabers
A significant factor for the Giants this season is 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' passing attack. Over the first three weeks, he has 37 targets—13 more than any other Giants player. Impressively, Nabers has caught 30 of these targets over the last two games, suggesting an impressive catch rate and reliability.
Nabers' high target share stands at 37.8%, and he has been responsible for 50.7% of all New York wide receiver targets this season. In the win against Cleveland, he demonstrated his potential by securing eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensive Concerns for the Cowboys
While the Cowboys boast a potent offense, their defense has been a liability, allowing 29.7 points per game—the second-worst in the league this season. This defensive frailty could be an area the Giants exploit, particularly with a burgeoning star like Nabers. One expert remarked on Nabers' potential for another standout performance given the Cowboys' defensive struggles: "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."
The Versatility of Dak Prescott
Prescott remains a versatile threat for the Cowboys, contributing both through the air and on the ground. One analysis highlighted his multifaceted game: "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."
As both teams gear up for this pivotal matchup, the Cowboys are looking to extend their winning streak against the Giants, while New York aims to leverage their emerging talent and exploit Dallas' defensive vulnerabilities. The clash promises to be a compelling chapter in this storied rivalry, with both teams eager to make a statement early in the season.