As Week 4 of the NFL season approaches, the storied rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants intensifies for their 125th meeting. The Cowboys, leading the all-time series with a 75-47-2 record, have dominated recent encounters, winning the last six matchups, including scoring at least 40 points in both meetings last season. The stakes are high for both teams as they seek to establish dominance early in the season.
Cowboys' Offensive Firepower
Dallas' offensive prowess is fronted by quarterback Dak Prescott, who continues to be a pivotal figure. Prescott's four-year, $240 million contract reflects his value to the team. Last season, he led the league with 36 passing touchdowns and finished third in passing yards with 4,516, guiding the Cowboys to a 12-5 record and the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. In the postseason, he showcased his versatility by throwing for 403 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 45 rushing yards, emphasizing his dual-threat capability.
In last week's game, Prescott continued to impress, throwing for 379 yards and two touchdowns, alongside a one-yard rushing touchdown. His ability to scramble and create offensive plays adds a significant dimension to his game. As one expert noted, "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' Young Talent
The New York Giants, though underdogs in recent matchups, are not without hope. Their recent 21-15 victory over the Cleveland Browns marked their first win of the season, providing a morale boost. Quarterback Daniel Jones played a crucial role, throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to lead the offense effectively.
Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has been a revelation. Nabers has been heavily targeted, with 37 targets over the first three weeks, 13 more than any other Giants player. Over just the last two games, he has caught 30 of these targets. His 37.8% target share and responsibility for 50.7% of all New York wide receiver targets highlight his importance to the offense. In the victory against Cleveland, Nabers caught eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns, indicating his crucial role in the Giants' passing game.
Looking ahead to their face-off with the Cowboys, Nabers' performance will be closely monitored. As one expert predicts, "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 Challenges
Despite their offensive strength, the Cowboys' defense has struggled, allowing 29.7 points per game, making them the second-worst in the league this season. This vulnerability could be an opportunity for the Giants to exploit, especially with a dynamic player like Nabers in their ranks. Conversely, the Giants' defense will need to find a way to contain Prescott and the high-octane Cowboys offense, a task easier said than done given Dallas' recent track record.
The upcoming clash promises to be a compelling contest, with both teams eager to secure a victory that could set the tone for the rest of their season. The Cowboys aim to extend their winning streak against their division rivals, while the Giants strive to turn the tide in this historic rivalry. With star players, emerging talents, and significant stakes, this game is set to be a highlight of Week 4, offering fans a mix of high drama and top-tier football action.