As the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare to clash for the 125th time in Week 4 of the NFL season, stakes are high for both squads. Historically, the Cowboys have dominated this rivalry, holding a 75-47-2 edge in the all-time series. Recently, Dallas has been particularly dominant, winning the last six meetings.
Dominance of the Cowboys
The Cowboys’ offensive prowess was unmistakable last season, as they scored at least 40 points in both their contests against the Giants. Leading the charge for Dallas is quarterback Dak Prescott, whose impressive performances continue to set a high bar. Last season, Prescott led the NFL in passing touchdowns with 36 and finished third in passing yards, amassing 4,516.
Prescott's importance to the Cowboys was cemented with his new four-year, $240 million contract. His versatility adds to his value, with an expert noting, "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." This dual-threat capability was on display in a recent game where Prescott threw for 403 yards and three touchdowns while adding 45 rushing yards.
The Giants' Struggles and Glimmers of Hope
On the opposite side, the New York Giants have faced challenges in recent encounters with the Cowboys. Their last victory over Dallas was back in the 2020-21 NFL season. However, there have been positive signs this season, such as their recent win over the Cleveland Browns. In that game, quarterback Daniel Jones managed a solid performance, throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns.
One of the key bright spots for the Giants is rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. Selected as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Nabers has quickly become a crucial part of New York's offensive strategy. Through the first three weeks of the season, Nabers has been targeted 37 times—13 more than any other Giants player. This high usage rate has translated into impactful performances, including eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns in the victory against Cleveland.
Interestingly, Nabers' target share is a staggering 37.8%, accounting for 50.7% of all wide receiver targets for the Giants. His emergence as a primary target has garnered attention, with experts forecasting more standout performances. One expert remarked, "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 Defensive Battle
While the Cowboys' offense has shown great potential, their defense has struggled early in the season. Allowing an average of 29.7 points per game, Dallas ranks as the second-worst defense in the league this season. This vulnerability could be an opportunity for Jones and Nabers to exploit.
The Giants will need to capitalize on this defensive frailty if they hope to end their losing streak against Dallas. The synergy between Jones and Nabers will be crucial, especially considering the latter's ability to generate offense swiftly and effectively.
Looking Forward
The upcoming matchup offers several intriguing storylines for fans and analysts alike. Can Prescott continue to deliver the high-level performances that make him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league? Will the Cowboys' defense step up to complement their offensive firepower? And perhaps most pressing for Giants fans, can their team finally get a win against Dallas?
As the Giants and Cowboys prepare to renew their historic rivalry, all eyes will be on the field to see which narratives will unfold. With both teams having much to prove, this Week 4 clash promises to be a pivotal moment in their respective 2024 campaigns.