As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare to face off for the 125th time in Week 4, the stakes are undeniably high. Historically, the Cowboys have dominated this rivalry, leading the all-time series with a 75-47-2 record and triumphing in the last six consecutive meetings. The last time the Giants managed a victory over their formidable rivals was during the 2020-21 NFL season.
Dak Prescott: Leading the Charge
The Cowboys' dominance has been, in large part, propelled by their star quarterback, Dak Prescott. Fresh off signing a lucrative four-year contract worth a staggering $240 million, Prescott continues to be a vital asset to Dallas' success. Last season, Prescott commanded the league's attention by leading in passing touchdowns with 36 and finishing third in passing yards, amassing 4,516 yards. His individual performance was pivotal in ensuring the Cowboys secured a 12-5 record and the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.
In the playoffs, Prescott showcased his dual-threat capabilities, throwing for 403 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 45 yards. Showing a glimpse of his multifaceted talent, Prescott scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown in last week’s game, alongside 379 passing yards and two touchdowns. "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," underscored an expert on Prescott's evolving game.
New York Giants and the Malik Nabers Factor
On the other side of the field, the New York Giants secured their first win of the season against the Browns, with a 21-15 scoreline. Quarterback Daniel Jones threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns, but it was rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers who truly stood out. The No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Nabers has quickly proven to be a significant contributor to the Giants' offense.
In just three weeks, Nabers has commanded an impressive 37 targets, 13 more than any other player on the team. His remarkable performance includes catching 30 of these targets over the last two games alone, and he boasts a 37.8% target share, accounting for 50.7% of all New York wide receiver targets this season. In their latest triumph over Cleveland, Nabers logged eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns, solidifying his role as a crucial offensive weapon. "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," an analyst opined, highlighting the rookie's potential impact.
Defensive Struggles and Game Predictions
Despite Dallas' offensive prowess, their defense has had considerable shortcomings, allowing 29.7 points per game, making them the second worst in the league this season. This defensive frailty could offer the Giants an opportunity to exploit and potentially break their losing streak against the Cowboys.
The upcoming contest promises to be a fascinating watch, with Prescott's leadership and versatility pitted against the emerging threat of Nabers. As both teams gear up, one can't help but anticipate whether the Cowboys will maintain their dominance or if the Giants, with their talented rookie, can finally turn the tide in their long-standing rivalry.
With high stakes and numerous storylines, this classic NFC East showdown is set to deliver yet another memorable chapter in the storied history between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants.