As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to face off against the New York Giants on Thanksgiving Day, the matchup has all the makings of an NFC East showdown with major implications, despite both teams struggling this season. With a combined six wins between them, this game may not have the playoff stakes fans expected, but the rivalry remains one of the most anticipated on the NFL calendar.
Giants’ Struggles and Quarterback Woes
The 2-9 Giants are reeling, having lost six straight games. They’ll be starting their third quarterback in as many weeks, with Tommy DeVito listed as questionable due to a forearm injury. If DeVito can’t go, backup Drew Lock will take the reins for New York. The Giants have struggled offensively all season, ranking last in the NFL in scoring at just 14.8 points per game, and 28th in passing offense with only 187.9 yards per game.
To make matters worse, the Giants will be without offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (quad), while their injury list also includes offensive tackle Evan Neal (hip). They’ve had trouble protecting their quarterbacks, which could be a major factor against the Cowboys’ pass rush.
Cowboys Looking to Bounce Back
At 4-7, the Cowboys are in a similar position. Despite a win over Washington last week, they still sit on the outside of the playoff race, tied for 12th in the NFC. Dallas has struggled at home this season, losing six straight games, including a painful wild-card blowout to the Packers.
Backup quarterback Cooper Rush will again start for the Cowboys, with starter Dak Prescott still recovering from a hamstring injury. Rush has been serviceable, throwing two touchdowns last week while completing 75 percent of his passes. Dallas will also look to run the ball effectively with Rico Dowdle, who set a career-high 86 rushing yards last week. Dowdle has proven to be a reliable option, and the Giants’ defense has given up over 140 rushing yards in five straight games.
Betting Odds & Props
Dallas is a 3.5-point favorite in this contest, with 83 percent of the public money backing the Cowboys to cover. The total points line is set at a low 37.0, which reflects the low expectations for scoring given both teams’ struggles at quarterback. However, with 77 percent of bets coming in on the Over, oddsmakers seem to be leaning toward a higher-scoring game than initially expected.
For prop bets, Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy is expected to have a significant role in the game. He’s posted solid rushing totals recently, and with the Giants needing to establish the run to stay competitive, Tracy’s rushing yardage prop of 70+ yards (+100) could be a good value. On the Cowboys side, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is always a focal point of the offense. Lamb has been targeted 118 times this season, and while he hasn’t scored in a few weeks, his Anytime Touchdown prop (+155) looks promising against a Giants defense that has allowed 12 passing touchdowns this season.
Key Players to Watch
Micah Parsons is the Cowboys’ defensive centerpiece, and he’s coming off two sacks last week against Washington. He has a history of success against the Giants, including two sacks in their Thanksgiving meeting in 2022. The Giants’ offensive line will need to focus on containing Parsons if they hope to protect Lock or DeVito long enough to establish any rhythm.
On the Giants’ side, rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers has been one of the few bright spots on offense this year. He’s coming off a quiet week, but if New York is to have any chance of competing, Nabers will need to be a playmaker.
Injury Report
The Giants will be without several key contributors, including Eluemunor and possibly DeVito. The Cowboys, on the other hand, are optimistic about the return of tight end Jake Ferguson, guard Tyler Smith, and cornerback Trevon Diggs, though left guard Zack Martin remains out with shoulder and ankle issues.
Prediction
While the Giants are hoping for a spark from Lock, their lack of offensive consistency and porous offensive line will likely lead to more struggles against the Cowboys’ defense. Dallas, despite their own quarterback concerns, has more weapons at their disposal and a significant edge on defense.
Prediction: Cowboys 27, Giants 17. With the Cowboys’ defensive dominance and offensive improvements, expect Dallas to secure a comfortable win on Thanksgiving Day.
