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The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants renew their historic rivalry on Thanksgiving in a clash that carries very different stakes than anticipated when the season began. With both teams enduring disappointing seasons, this game is more about pride, player development and finishing the season strong rather than playoff aspirations.
The Cowboys (4-7) come into this matchup with renewed energy after a surprising 34-26 road win against the Washington Commanders in Week 12. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush had arguably his best performance of the season, throwing for 247 yards and two touchdowns. Dallas also got an 86-yard rushing effort from Rico Dowdle, who could play a key role against the Giants’ struggling defense. The victory snapped a five-game losing streak for the Cowboys, but perhaps most importantly, it gave them a spark heading back home against a lackluster opponent.
Meanwhile, the Giants (2-9) continue to spiral. A 30-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 12 exposed glaring issues on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Tommy DeVito, filling in after the release of Daniel Jones, played admirably, completing 21 of 31 passes for 189 yards without any turnovers. However, the offense struggled to find the end zone, and the defense was gashed for 298 passing yards by Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield while also surrendering four rushing touchdowns.
The Giants have lost six straight games, and the release of Jones has reportedly caused discontent within the locker room, with defensive star Dexter Lawrence openly questioning the decision.
The Giants rank 30th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game, and Dallas should look to exploit that vulnerability. Rico Dowdle nearly eclipsed his season high in rushing yards last week. Behind an offensive line that’s getting healthier, expect the Cowboys to lean heavily on the ground game.
A strong rushing performance would help take pressure off Cooper Rush and set up manageable play-action opportunities to target playmakers like CeeDee Lamb.
The Giants’ lone strength this season has been their defensive front, led by Dexter Lawrence. Despite the team’s struggles, New York ranks in the top 10 in passing yards allowed per game, largely because of their ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
If Lawrence and company can get to Cooper Rush early and often, it could force the Cowboys to rely more on Dowdle and the run game.
Tommy DeVito is getting valuable reps without Daniel Jones in New York, but his ceiling appears limited. The Cowboys defense ranks near the bottom of the league in both passing and rushing yards allowed, allowing DeVito to gain some confidence.
However, he’ll need help from his supporting cast, particularly Tyrone Tracy Jr. out of the backfield. If Tracy can’t get going, DeVito will struggle to move the ball, especially with the Cowboys likely to stack the box and dare him to throw.
While the Giants have been strong against the pass overall, CeeDee Lamb is always a threat to break out, even with Cooper Rush under center. Lamb can win one-on-one matchups and turn short catches into big plays.
The Cowboys have yet to win at home this season, but this is their best chance to break that streak. The Giants defense, particularly against the run, has been porous, and the offense hasn’t shown enough firepower to keep up in games where they fall behind early. Dallas should look to control the clock with their rushing attack, while the defense aims to disrupt DeVito and force him into tough situations.
For the Giants, it’s about showing fight in a game where they’ll be heavy underdogs. Big performances from Malik Nabers and Tracy Jr. could give them a chance to keep it close, but if the Cowboys offense builds an early lead, it’s hard to see the Giants having the firepower to mount a comeback.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.