As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants gear up for their 125th encounter in Week 4 of the NFL season, the excitement is palpable. The Cowboys, who hold a commanding 75-47-2 lead in the all-time series, are riding a six-game winning streak against their storied NFC East rivals. For the Giants, this showdown presents an opportunity to reclaim some lost ground since their last victory over the Cowboys in the 2020-21 NFL season.
The Clash of Quarterbacks
At the center of Dallas' offensive firepower is quarterback Dak Prescott. Having recently inked a four-year, $240 million contract, Prescott is proving his worth on the field. Last season, he led the league with 36 passing touchdowns and was third in passing yards, amassing 4,516. The Cowboys finished with a stellar 12-5 record, earning the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs, thanks in large part to Prescott's efforts.
Prescott's prowess was on display in their playoff run, where he threw for 403 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 45 yards. In their recent game, he continued to showcase his dual-threat capabilities, scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown along with 379 passing yards and two touchdowns. As noted by experts, "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."
Malik Nabers: The Rising Star
On the other side of the field, the New York Giants are witnessing the meteoric rise of 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' offense, garnering 37 targets over the first three weeks of the season—13 more than any other player on the team. He has been incredibly efficient, catching 30 of those targets in the past two games alone.
Nabers' impact was particularly felt in their first win of the season against the Cleveland Browns, where he grabbed eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns. This brought his season target share to an impressive 37.8%, accounting for 50.7% of all wide receiver targets for the Giants. As one analyst noted, "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."
Dallas Defense: Cause for Concern
Despite the offensive brilliance that Dallas has shown, their defense has been a point of concern. Allowing 29.7 points per game this season, the Cowboys' defense ranks as the second-worst in the league. This vulnerability could be exploited by the Giants, especially with the dynamic duo of Jones and Nabers.
The Stakes
The outcome of this game could have significant implications for both teams. For Dallas, continuing their dominance over the Giants would not only boost their confidence but also solidify their standing in the tight NFC East race. For New York, a victory against a fierce rival would signal a resurgence and validate the potential of their young stars.
Both teams have a lot riding on this game, and the fans can expect a high-octane clash filled with drama and excitement. As the Cowboys strive to maintain their upper hand, the Giants will look to upset the balance and forge a new chapter in this long-standing rivalry.