MetLife Stadium is set to come alive with an NFC East showdown as the Dallas Cowboys face off against the New York Giants on Thursday night. Recent history leans heavily in favor of the Cowboys, who dominated the Giants with decisive victories of 40-0 and 49-17 last season. The Cowboys carry a six-game winning streak against the Giants into this clash, underscoring their recent supremacy in this storied rivalry.
Recent Performances and Expectations
While the Cowboys have been dominant in the division, winning the NFC East title in two of the past three seasons, they are looking to halt a two-game losing streak. Their current away record stands at 5-5 since the beginning of 2023, indicating a level of inconsistency when playing on the road.
Meanwhile, the Giants have shown a modest performance at home, holding a 4-5 record at MetLife Stadium since the start of last season. Coming off a hard-fought 21-15 victory over Cleveland, the Giants will be eager to build on that momentum. Their last home win against the Cowboys dates back to 2020, when they secured a 23-19 victory, a memory fresh in their minds as they prepare for this critical game.
Key Players and Stats
For the Cowboys, quarterback Dak Prescott has been a formidable force against the Giants. In 13 starts, Prescott boasts a career passer rating of 101.6, completing 64% of his passes for 3,433 yards and 25 touchdowns with only six interceptions. However, this season, Prescott's numbers have dipped slightly. He currently has a passer rating of 85.8, completing 60.7% of his passes for 851 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has consistently been a thorn in the Giants' side, with 38 receptions for 529 yards and two touchdowns in six games against them. Lamb's standout performance last season saw him catch 11 passes for 151 yards in their November 12 game. Rookie Malik Nabers has also emerged as a key player for the Cowboys this season, leading the team with 23 receptions for 271 yards and three touchdowns. Nabers' big-play ability is evident, with six receptions of 20 or more yards and 127 yards after the catch, resulting in 14 first-down conversions.
Giants' Prospects
On the Giants' side, Wan'Dale Robinson has shown promise with 15 receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown this season. Robinson's longest reception this season is 20 yards, and he has accumulated 63 yards after the catch. In their latest victory over Cleveland, Robinson was a significant contributor with seven catches for 61 yards.
Betting Insights
The bookmakers have set the Cowboys as 5.5-point favorites for the game, with the over/under for total points scored pegged at 45.5. This suggests a competitive clash but one where the Cowboys are expected to edge out their rivals. The betting model track record is impressive, having accrued well over $7,000 for $100 bettors on top-rated NFL picks. The model's performance, with a record of 188-130 on top-rated picks, including a dominant 42-22 streak since Week 7 of the 2022 season, adds an additional layer of intrigue to the game.
As both teams gear up for this crucial encounter, the Cowboys will look to maintain their dominance, while the Giants will aim to protect their home turf and secure a much-needed victory against a fierce divisional opponent. With high stakes and a history of closely contested battles, Thursday night's game at MetLife Stadium promises to be a captivating affair for fans and analysts alike.