The anticipation is palpable as the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants gear up for what promises to be an electrifying matchup in Week 4. This will be their 125th encounter, with the Cowboys historically leading the series with a 75-47-2 record. Recent history has also been kinder to Dallas, who have secured victory in their last six meetings against New York.
Cowboys' Offensive Firepower
Leading the charge for the Cowboys is quarterback Dak Prescott, who is coming off a stellar season. Prescott's current four-year contract valued at $240 million underscores the franchise's belief in his abilities. Last season, Prescott led the league in passing touchdowns with an impressive 36 and finished third in passing yards with 4,516. His leadership was instrumental in helping Dallas achieve a 12-5 record and secure the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.
Prescott's playoff performance further cemented his status as an elite quarterback. He threw for 403 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding 45 rushing yards. This dual-threat capability was on display last week, where he not only passed for 379 yards and two touchdowns but also scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown.
"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," an analyst remarked, highlighting the versatility Prescott brings to the field.
Giants Looking for Momentum
On the other side, the New York Giants have been struggling to find consistency. However, their recent victory over the Browns, where they clinched a 21-15 win, could be a turning point. Daniel Jones, the Giants' quarterback, had a commendable game, throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns. Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has been a revelation.
Nabers has quickly become a favorite target, racking up 37 targets over the first three weeks, which is 13 more than any other player on the Giants. Over the last two games alone, he has caught 30 of these targets. This gives him a striking 37.8% target share, with him being responsible for a staggering 50.7% of all New York wide receiver targets this season. In the game against Cleveland, Nabers' contributions were crucial, with eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns.
"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 expert opined, reflecting on the rookie's potential to exploit the Cowboys' porous defense.
Defensive Struggles and Key Matchups
Defense could be the Achilles' heel for the Cowboys this season. Allowing an average of 29.7 points per game places them second-worst in the league so far. This presents an opportunity for the Giants, especially with the burgeoning chemistry between Jones and Nabers, to exploit Dallas' defensive lapses.
The key matchup to watch will undoubtedly be how the Cowboys' defense handles Nabers and whether Prescott can continue his impressive form to outgun a Giants team eager for redemption. The Cowboys will aim to extend their winning streak against the Giants, while New York will look to build on their recent victory and turn their season around.
This clash promises to be more than just a game of numbers. It is a test of resilience, strategy, and the ability to perform under pressure. As the kickoff approaches, fans on both sides will be hoping for a performance that not only settles the score but also sets the tone for the remainder of the season.