The air is thick with anticipation as the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants prepare to clash for the 125th time in their storied rivalry. The Cowboys currently hold a commanding 75-47-2 advantage in the all-time series, having secured victories in the past six encounters between the two franchises.
Last season, the Cowboys showcased their offensive prowess, scoring at least 40 points in both matchups against the Giants. Led by Dak Prescott, who cemented his place as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks, Dallas aims to continue their dominance. Prescott, fresh off signing a four-year, $240 million contract, had a season to remember. He led the league with 36 passing touchdowns and ranked third in passing yards with a staggering total of 4,516.
Dak Prescott's Versatility
Last season, Prescott didn't just rely on his arm; he demonstrated his versatility by rushing for crucial yards when needed. This trait was evident in the playoffs, where he threw for 403 yards and three touchdowns while adding 45 rushing yards. Just last week, Prescott continued to prove his dual threat capability by scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown, alongside 379 passing yards and two touchdowns.
An NFL analyst praised Prescott's multifaceted skill set, stating, "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."
New York Giants’ New Hope
On the other side, the Giants are looking to turn the tide with their young and promising talent. Daniel Jones, the team's quarterback, recently led the Giants to a 21-15 victory over the Cleveland Browns, throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns. But the real revelation for the Giants has been rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Nabers has quickly become Jones' favorite target, amassing 37 targets over the first three weeks of the season—13 more than any other player on the Giants. Impressively, he caught 30 of these targets over the last two games alone. His stellar performance has accounted for a 37.8% target share, and he has been responsible for 50.7% of all New York wide receiver targets this year.
In the win against Cleveland, Nabers had eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns, showing his ability to make significant plays under pressure. Looking ahead to the Thursday night matchup, experts predict another standout game for the rookie wideout. One expert opined, "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."
Defense in Question
While the Cowboys have shone offensively, their defense has been a cause for concern. Allowing 29.7 points per game, they rank as the second-worst in the league this season. This defensive frailty provides an opening for the Giants to exploit, especially with the dynamic connection developing between Jones and Nabers.
As the Cowboys and Giants prepare to add another chapter to their historic rivalry, both teams have high stakes riding on the outcome. For Dallas, it’s a chance to solidify their status as NFC frontrunners, while for the Giants, it’s an opportunity to prove they can compete with the league's best. Fans can expect a thrilling encounter filled with high-octane action and dramatic moments as these two teams vie for supremacy once more.