The excitement is palpable as the 2024 NFL season kicks off with a thrilling matchup between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys.

After a long wait of four weeks, the Giants are finally set to face off against the Cowboys in a highly anticipated prime-time showdown. The stakes are high, and fans are eager to see how this fierce rivalry unfolds on the field.

Historically, the Cowboys have dominated this rivalry over the past three years, consistently outperforming the Giants. However, this season presents a different narrative, as both teams appear to be more evenly matched than in previous encounters. Despite being 5.5-point underdogs at home, the Giants are ready to challenge the status quo and aim for a victory.

For the first time this season, there’s notable division among the Big Blue View staff regarding their predictions. Until now, there has been unanimous agreement in our picks for the previous three weeks. However, the Giants’ unexpected performances have left everyone reconsidering their choices, adding an element of unpredictability to this matchup.

What will unfold in this crucial game? Will the New York Giants maintain their momentum after a brief week of preparation, or will the Dallas Cowboys capitalize on their previous success against the Giants and regain their footing for the season?

Tony DelGenio’s Prediction: Analyzing the Giants vs. Cowboys Matchup

As I mentioned in my previous analysis, I’m picking the Dallas Cowboys to secure a win, hoping that this reverse psychology will allow the Giants to finally claim victory. My current prediction record stands at 0-3 for the season, so maybe it’s time for a change of luck. There are several compelling reasons to favor the Cowboys, which extend beyond their historical dominance over the Giants.

Injury concerns plague the Giants, with key players Dru Phillips and Adoree’ Jackson likely sidelined due to calf injuries. Meanwhile, Nick McCloud may be returning from a knee injury, but his effectiveness is uncertain. Additionally, rookie Deonte Banks has yet to demonstrate his ability to effectively cover opposing WR1s. The pressing question remains: who will be tasked with containing the prolific CeeDee Lamb, especially considering his versatility in lining up across the field? Generating pressure on Dak Prescott is essential, but it must be done strategically, as recent statistics show that three of Dak’s four touchdown passes this season have come against the blitz.

Ultimately, the looming threat of CeeDee Lamb is a significant factor in this matchup.

Pick: Cowboys

Chris Pflum’s Analysis: The Giants’ Path to Victory

I previously stated that I wouldn’t pick the Giants until they could demonstrate consistent winning capabilities. However, this week, I find myself favoring the Giants for the win.

Does this mean I was convinced by their performance against the Browns? Not entirely. While the team showed improvement overall, there were still concerning signs evident in their gameplay last week. Defensively, the secondary struggled against multiple threats simultaneously, and the pass rush seemed reliant on favorable circumstances to succeed.

Offensively, the passing game was limited to extremely short yardage, with average completions barely traveling ten feet downfield. The Giants also failed to capitalize on several opportunities that could have resulted in game-changing turnovers, even with conservative play calling. The Browns were unable to exploit these chances, but it’s a concern that lingers.

However, I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve seen this story before. Reflecting on the 2022 and 2023 seasons, I recall how a conservative offense, combined with a defense that made timely plays and opponents that squandered opportunities, led to a series of unexpected wins for the Giants.

I suspect we are entering the chapter where the Giants manage to catch their opponents off-guard and secure nail-biting victories that defy expectations.

Pick: Giants

Nick Falato’s Insight: The Giants’ Crucial Home Game

For the Giants, a victory against the Dallas Cowboys could drastically alter the trajectory of their season. In their last game against the Browns, the Giants set a new record for team pressure, recording an impressive eight sacks. Shane Bowen’s defensive strategy involved a creative, blitz-heavy Cover-1 scheme that caught the Browns off guard.

However, the challenge intensifies with the presence of Dak Prescott, a quarterback who excels at reading defenses. The Giants have struggled against Prescott, having not beaten him since his rookie year in 2016. They have managed only a single victory against the Cowboys in the past fourteen meetings, highlighting their difficulties in this rivalry.

To emerge victorious, the Giants must adopt a ball-control strategy while effectively neutralizing Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. This game promises to be competitive and may even feature a higher score than fans are accustomed to witnessing. Despite the challenges, I predict Dallas will narrowly secure the win.

Pick: Dallas

David Hartman’s Perspective: The Giants’ Opportunity to Defy History

I desperately want to support the Giants. They recently secured a victory where they performed admirably for about 52 minutes, while the Cowboys are coming off two consecutive home losses, resulting in a significant need for improvement. It seems Dallas is approaching a state of concern, as they have not appeared to be the complete team we expect them to be this season.

However, the recent history of this rivalry is hard to overlook. The Cowboys have won six straight matchups and 13 of the last 14, with last season’s encounters resulting in a staggering 89-17 score in favor of Dallas, including a humiliating 40-0 defeat at MetLife Stadium to kick off the season. The weather may play a role, particularly with potential rain, which could benefit the Giants since Dallas has struggled with their rushing game.

Nonetheless, I fear that another matchup will unfold where Dallas brings their A-game, forcing Daniel Jones into mistakes that ultimately prove too much for the Giants to handle. With Dak Prescott showing promising form recently and CeeDee Lamb likely to exploit the Giants’ secondary weaknesses, I’m inclined to side with Dallas in this critical game.

Pick: Dallas

James Hickey’s Take: The Desperation Factor in the Cowboys’ Favor

The best advice I can offer when two teams seem evenly matched is to favor the one that exhibits greater desperation. Right now, that team is undeniably the one featuring the star logo on their helmets. Yet, there are genuine concerns surrounding the Cowboys that warrant consideration.

Dallas’ inability to stop the run has been a significant issue, and their rushing game struggles have hindered their overall performance. With a new defensive coordinator and an unfamiliar system, the challenge is compounded by the fact that they are on a short week.

However, what Dallas excels at—passing the ball—remains the Giants’ most significant vulnerability, especially with the potential absence of two key cornerbacks, Adoree’ Jackson and Dru Phillips, during Thursday night’s game. Given the Cowboys’ recent dominance in this rivalry and their urgent need for a win, I anticipate Dak Prescott orchestrating a crucial drive to stabilize the situation for Dallas.

Pick: Dallas

Valentine’s Perspective: Analyzing the Giants’ Chances Against the Cowboys

During my recent podcast discussion with RJ Ochoa from SB Nation’s Blogging the Boys, he shared an intriguing perspective that caught my attention:

“I believe this may be the time the Giants finally get the Cowboys.

“Dallas is really, really, really bad. And bordering on full quit territory.”

While I’m uncertain about the latter part of that statement, I can’t help but agree with the former. The Giants have consistently struggled against the Cowboys, losing six straight games and 13 of the last 14 encounters. This includes a mix of blowouts and closely contested games that the Giants could have won.

At some point, the tide must turn. This matchup presents a unique opportunity for change.

The Cowboys are reeling from consecutive losses and are currently ranked 30th in the league for points allowed and dead last in rushing yards allowed. Their offensive line has lost the dominance it once had, ranking 29th in the NFL for yards per rushing attempt.

On the other hand, the Giants are gaining momentum following a win against the Cleveland Browns, which has sparked a glimmer of hope among fans. Areas of improvement, such as the pass rush and an upgraded offensive line, combined with solid performances from Daniel Jones and the emergence of Malik Nabers, suggest that optimism is warranted.

As Ochoa mentioned, it certainly feels like this could be the moment the Giants finally overcome their struggles against the Cowboys.

Pick: Giants (despite the fact that I should know better)