As Week 4 of the NFL season kicks off, an intriguing clash between two NFC East rivals unfolds in New Jersey. The Dallas Cowboys are set to visit the New York Giants for Thursday Night Football. The Cowboys are coming off a narrow 28-25 defeat at home against the Ravens, unable to cover the spread as a one-point underdog. Meanwhile, the Giants secured a hard-fought 21-15 win on the road against the Browns, pulling off an upset as 6.5-point underdogs. Historically, Dallas leads the regular season series with a record of 75-46-2 and has triumphed in the last six encounters, including a decisive 49-17 victory at home in their latest showdown on November 12, 2023.
For accurate insights into pro football, our NFL Predictions offer valuable guidance.
Dallas Cowboys Aim for Recovery and 2-2 Record
The Cowboys faced a tough outing in their last match, struggling for the majority of the game before a late rally fell short. With a record of 1-2, they look to regain their footing and even their season. Against Baltimore, Dallas trailed from the start, facing a 14-3 deficit after the first quarter and 28-6 entering the final frame. Although they scored 19 points in the fourth quarter, they couldn’t secure a crucial stop on third down late in the game, allowing Baltimore to run out the clock. Overall, the Cowboys were outgained 456-412 in total offense and lost the time of possession battle, 34:45 to 25:15, while committing the only turnover in the game.
This season, the Cowboys lead the league in passing yards, averaging 269.7 yards per game. However, they lag behind in rushing, ranking 29th with just 73.7 yards per contest. Dallas stands 5th in scoring offense, averaging 25.7 points per game, but struggles defensively, ranked 30th by allowing 29.7 points per game. Quarterback Dak Prescott has completed 74 of 122 passes for 851 yards, with four touchdowns and two interceptions. He has also been sacked nine times. In the ground game, Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and CeeDee Lamb have contributed modestly. Lamb leads the team in receiving with 13 catches for 218 yards and one touchdown. Kicker Brandon Aubrey has been perfect, making all extra point and field goal attempts this season, including a long of 65 yards.
The injury report for Dallas shows a few names, including defensive backs Markquese Bell (ankle) and Caelen Carson (shoulder), who did not practice Monday. Defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (shoulder) was limited in practice. Updates on their status will be crucial as kickoff approaches.
New York Giants Seek Back-to-Back Victories
After a rocky start with two losses, the Giants rebounded with a solid win against the Browns. They now stand at 1-2 and aim to level their record with a second consecutive victory. New York found themselves down 7-0 just 11 seconds into the game but responded with 21 unanswered points to take a 21-7 lead at halftime. While the Giants didn’t score again, their defense held strong. Running back Devin Singletary made a critical 43-yard run late in the game, allowing New York to run out the clock. The Giants outgained the Browns with 340 total yards, while also controlling time of possession.
The Giants’ offense has been struggling, averaging 189.7 passing yards per game, placing them 19th in the league. Their ground game is similarly positioned, averaging 105 rushing yards per contest. New York ranks 29th in scoring offense, averaging just 15 points per game, while their defense sits at 20th, allowing an average of 21.3 points. Quarterback Daniel Jones has completed 62 of 104 passes for 600 yards, tossing four touchdowns and two interceptions, while also being sacked eight times. Rookie Malik Nabers has emerged as a key target with 23 receptions for 271 yards and three touchdowns.
Injury concerns for the Giants include cornerbacks Adoree’ Jackson and Dru Phillips, both of whom did not practice Monday due to calf injuries. Defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence (foot) and others were limited, so monitoring their status leading up to kickoff is essential.
Key Predictions for Cowboys vs. Giants
New York’s defense proved effective last week against the Browns, recording eight sacks and hoping to maintain that intensity against the Cowboys. Historically, the Giants have struggled against Dallas, losing the last 12 meetings in which Prescott has started, with their last win coming in January 2021. While the Cowboys showed promise in the fourth quarter against the Ravens, their earlier performance raises questions. Given their offensive capabilities, Dallas may exploit weaknesses in the Giants’ secondary, especially if key players are unavailable.
