Thursday Night Football Week 4

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Thursday Night Football Week 4

The Dallas Cowboys (1-2) head to MetLife Stadium for a Thursday Night Football showdown against the New York Giants (1-2) in Week 4 of the NFL season. Both teams are off to slow starts and will look to get back on track in this NFC East clash. 

NFL Futures have already highlighted the significance of this game for both franchises, as it could shape the course of their seasons. The Cowboys have dominated this matchup recently, winning the last six meetings, including a 49-17 blowout last November. Dallas will aim to extend that streak, while New York seeks to reverse the trend.

Dallas Cowboys

Dallas enters this game on the heels of a disappointing 28-25 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, which dropped them to 1-2. The Cowboys played poorly for three quarters, trailing 28-6 before mounting a fourth-quarter comeback that fell short. 

They were outgained in total offense (456-412) and lost the time of possession battle, holding the ball for just 25:15. While they recorded 26 first downs to Baltimore’s 24, a crucial failure to stop the Ravens on third down late in the game sealed their fate.

Offensively, Dallas leads the league in passing offense, averaging 269.7 yards per game, but their ground attack has struggled, ranking 29th with just 73.7 rushing yards per contest. Dak Prescott has completed 74 of 122 passes for 851 yards, with four touchdowns and two interceptions, but he’s been sacked nine times already. 

Rico Dowdle leads the team in rushing with 88 yards and a touchdown, while Ezekiel Elliott has added 62 yards and a score. CeeDee Lamb leads the receiving corps with 13 catches for 218 yards and a touchdown, while Brandin Cooks and Jalen Tolbert have also been key contributors.

Defensively, Dallas has struggled, ranking 30th in scoring defense, giving up 29.7 points per game. The Cowboys will need to shore up their defense to avoid falling further behind in the NFC East standings.

Injury concerns loom for Dallas, with defensive backs Markquese Bell (ankle) and Caelen Carson (shoulder) missing practice early in the week. Defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (shoulder) was also limited, and their statuses will be crucial leading into the game.

New York Giants

The New York Giants snapped their 0-2 start with a 21-15 win over the Cleveland Browns last week, overcoming an early fumble on the opening kickoff. The Giants scored 21 unanswered points in the first half and held on for the win, despite being shut out in the second half. New York controlled the game with a 340-217 advantage in total offense and dominated time of possession, holding the ball for over 33 minutes.

Through three games, New York ranks 19th in both passing (189.7 yards per game) and rushing (105 yards per game). They’ve struggled to score points, averaging just 15 per contest, which ranks 29th in the league. Quarterback Daniel Jones has completed 62 of 104 passes for 600 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions while being sacked eight times. 

Devin Singletary has been the Giants’ leading rusher, accumulating 197 yards and a touchdown. Malik Nabers has been a standout rookie, leading the team with 23 catches for 271 yards and three touchdowns.

Defensively, the Giants have allowed 21.3 points per game, ranking 20th in the NFL. New York’s defense racked up eight sacks against Cleveland, and they’ll need to keep that pressure on Prescott to keep this game close.

New York has several key players on the injury report, including cornerbacks Adoree’ Jackson (calf) and Dru Phillips (calf), both of whom missed practice. Defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence (foot), cornerback Nick McCloud (knee), linebacker Micah McFadden (back), and wide receiver Darius Slayton (thumb) were all limited, so their availability will be pivotal heading into Thursday’s matchup.

Prediction

The Giants face a tough challenge in trying to stop a Cowboys team that has had their number in recent matchups. Dallas, despite their recent struggles, has a more potent offense, and New York’s defense will have its hands full, especially if their cornerbacks remain sidelined.

 If the Cowboys can establish the run and protect Prescott, they should be able to take advantage of a vulnerable Giants defense. New York’s offense has yet to find consistency, and they may struggle to keep pace if Dallas builds an early lead.

Prediction: Dallas Cowboys -4.5