New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has always been a divisive figure in the NFL, (especially after the Giants stumbled to an 0-2 start this season, prompting many to suggest the team bench their high-priced passer), however, Jones delivered a standout performance in team’s Week 3 victory over the Cleveland Browns, and the expectation is that he will carry that momentum into Thursday Night Football by utilizing his exceptional running ability.
Jones compensates for his average passing skills with his knack for making plays with his legs, and against the aggressive Dallas Cowboys defense, he could find himself frequently on the move.
The Cowboys, under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, continue to rely heavily on blitzing, generating the highest pressure rate per dropback as they enter Week 4. This pressure will likely cause Jones to feel the heat, forcing him to scramble as Dallas ramps up the intensity.
While Jones tends to struggle as a passer under pressure, he is one of the more capable running QBs in these scenarios. He ran six times against the Vikings’ blitz-heavy schemes in Week 1, five times in the unusual loss to Washington in Week 2, and carried the ball eight times in the victory over the Cleveland Browns last Sunday.
Considering Dallas ranks at the bottom in multiple run-stop statistics this season, the Giants are likely to target the Cowboys' defense on the ground. Dallas witnessed Lamar Jackson rush 14 times for 87 yards and a touchdown last Sunday.
Jones, who has logged nine or more carries in three of his last five full games against Dallas, is projected to have as many as 7.6 rushing attempts on Thursday night. Projections are slightly more conservative at 6.6 carries but with potential for more, given the weaknesses of the Cowboys’ defense.
With Malik Nabers facing tight coverage in the red zone, Jones remains a threat to take off and score. Dallas has already surrendered two touchdowns to QBs this season.
The Cowboys defense seems to be losing confidence in their new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, and the offense struggles beyond CeeDee Lamb. The divisional underdog playing at home seems like the smarter choice for Thursday.
Cowboys vs Giants Odds at BetOnline.ag
- Spread: Dallas -5.5 (-115) | New York +5.5 (-105)
- Moneyline: Dallas -246 | New York +206
- Over/Under: Over 45.5 (-110) | Under 45.5 (-110)
Analysis
The early line for this NFC East rivalry was Dallas -7 during the summer, but after the Cowboys allowed a significant number of points in the last two games, the official Week 4 spread opened at Dallas -5.5.
This spread quickly shifted, with money coming in on the Giants moving the line as low as -4. Respected money then came back in favor of the Cowboys, pushing the spread back up to Dallas -5.5 and even -6.
The Over/Under total began at 43.5 points but has since increased to 45.5 O/U following the Giants' improved offensive performance in their win over Cleveland.
Weather in East Rutherford could be a factor on Thursday night, with rain showers expected in the region that might arrive during the second half of the game.
Cowboys vs Giants Betting Trend to Know
The New York Giants are 11-6-1 against the spread (ATS) at MetLife Stadium under head coach Brian Daboll. This is a trend worth considering for those placing bets on the game.
Giants Game Info
- Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
- Date: Thursday, 9-26, 2024
- Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET
- TV: Amazon Prime
Cowboys vs Giants Latest Injuries
New York Giants
- Jermaine Eluemunor (OL): Injured - Thumb (Reported: Wed, September 25)
- Adoree' Jackson (CB): Out - Calf (Reported: Wed, September 25)
- Darius Slayton (WR): Questionable - Thumb (Reported: Wed, September 25)
Dallas Cowboys
- DeMarcus Lawrence (DE): Injured - Shoulder (Reported: Wed, September 25)
- C.J. Goodwin (CB): Injured - NIR (Reported: Wed, September 25)
- Trevon Diggs (CB): Injured - Foot (Reported: Wed, September 25)