MetLife Stadium is set to host a high-stakes NFC East showdown on Thursday night as the Dallas Cowboys face off against the New York Giants. Both teams will be keen to make a statement, but the Cowboys enter the matchup with a distinct upper hand, boasting a current six-game winning streak against their division rivals.
Cowboys Seeking to Extend Dominance
In recent encounters, Dallas has been dominant, securing lopsided victories over New York with scores of 40-0 and 49-17 last season. The Cowboys have also clinched the NFC East division title in two of the last three seasons, reinforcing their status as a formidable force in the league. Despite their strong record against the Giants, Dallas is motivated to snap a two-game losing streak.
The Cowboys’ road performance, however, has been mixed. Since the beginning of 2023, Dallas holds a 5-5 away record. This presents an interesting dynamic as they visit MetLife Stadium, where the Giants have a 4-5 home record since the start of last season.
Prescott’s Prowess Against the Giants
Dak Prescott has consistently excelled in matchups against the Giants. In 13 starts against New York, he has achieved a commendable career passer rating of 101.6, completing 64% of his passes for 3,433 yards, 25 touchdowns, and six interceptions. This season, Prescott’s performance has been slightly more modest, with a passer rating of 85.8, completing 60.7% of his attempts for 851 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Emerging Stars in the Cowboys Offense
Among the key offensive players supporting Prescott is CeeDee Lamb, who has 38 receptions for 529 yards and two touchdowns in six games against the Giants. Last season, Lamb recorded 11 catches for 151 yards in their November 12 game against New York. Additionally, rookie Malik Nabers has made significant contributions this season, leading the Cowboys with 23 receptions for 271 yards and three touchdowns. He has also recorded six receptions of 20 or more yards and has gained 127 yards after the catch with 14 first-down conversions.
Giants’ Struggle for Consistency
The Giants come off a narrow 21-15 victory over Cleveland, providing a much-needed boost to their confidence. However, beating the Cowboys at MetLife Stadium has been a rare feat; their last home win against Dallas dates back to 2020, ending in a 23-19 result.
Key offensive player Wan'Dale Robinson has been a reliable target for the Giants this season, with 15 receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown. His longest reception this season is 20 yards, with 63 yards after the catch. In their recent victory against Cleveland, Robinson had an impressive outing with seven catches for 61 yards.
Betting Insights and Predictions
The Cowboys enter the game as 5.5-point favorites, and the over/under for the total points scored is set at 45.5. These figures are indicative of the betting confidence in Dallas’ ability to continue their winning streak against New York. Supporting this, a highly respected betting model has amassed a substantial track record, having generated well over $7,000 for $100 bettors on top-rated NFL picks, with a robust 188-130 record. This model has been particularly effective since Week 7 of the 2022 season, going 42-22 in its top-rated selections.
As the Giants and Cowboys prepare to clash under the Thursday night lights, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in their storied rivalry. Dallas aims to solidify its supremacy in the NFC East, while New York seeks to turn the tide and protect their home turf. With both teams facing critical junctures in their respective seasons, fans can expect an intense and closely contested battle at MetLife Stadium.