Last week, Daniel Jones led the Giants’ comeback, passing for a career-high 402 yards with two touchdowns. This culminated in the first win for the Giants (27-21), in overtime, against the Saints. The 12th man Superdome crowd did not hinder Jones’ offense or defense.
All Giants’ players were instrumental in preventing the team from sliding into a 0-4 off-start to the season. This included a healthy Saquon Barkley, who joined the mix with his best game since 2019. It was his first appearance since his knee surgery, which placed him on the sidelines last year. Barkley finished with 52 yards and a 6-yard touchdown in overtime for the win.
Giants Vs. Cowboys Odds: Sunday, October 10
Barkley will get many opportunities in Sunday’s game against the Cowboys (1-3) in this early season NFC East Division battle. Jones, though, is now efficient and has not turned the ball over yet. He will be tested against the Cowboys’ defense, which holds the strategy of pressuring the quarterback (with 10 takeaways in the previous four games). It will likely be challenging for Jones to keep up with the Cowboys’ explosive offense that posted 36 points last week. The Cowboys’ defense gave up 28 points in a tight win over Carolina.
“I’m not going to go into the specific details, but this kid’s mentally tough,” Giants coach Joe Judge said this week about Jones. “In terms of handling any outside influence, positive, or negative, I’ve seen this guy already just go ahead, come in and be unfazed and unaffected, and make sure he influences the team the right way internally.”
Giants: Key Injuries
Currently injured players include left tackle Andre Thomas (foot) and defensive lineman Leonard Williams (knee). Willaims was last year’s sacks leader. So far this season, the Giants have used four different starting combinations due to injury. Both players are in a questionable state as of Thursday.
Safety Jabrill Peppers (hamstring), receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring), and tight end Kaden Smith were not at practice this week but could be available according to Coach Judge. Receiver Kenny Galladay (groin) is also playing at limited capacity.
Cowboys On The Field
Currently, the Cowboys are explosive on offense and possibly the best in the NFC. They have become creative in shot plays down the field and are good at matchups. Running back Ezekiel Elliott, wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper, and tight end Dalton Schultz have come up big in different situations.
Judge said, “I think their offensive line this year is playing at an extremely high level. I think we all know how talented that offensive line has been over the course of the last decade and they keep rolling with those guys. That’s really helping their run game and pass game.”
Dak Prescott has thrown 1,066 yards and 10 touchdowns along with two interceptions in four games, so the Giants’ defense will be challenged. Elliott also teamed with Tony Pollard, topping their running game.
Cowboys Defense
One can brag about the Cowyboys’ offense but the team’s defense does not get enough credit. The defense can become a factor in stopping Jones and Barkley. The Cowboys gave up more than enough points to Carolina but they always seem to make adjustments.
The defense is compiling sacks and stopping the run. The takeaways have become a factor. Watch DJ Moore and corner Trevon Diggs – the Giants have to know where he is.
Other Factors
The Giants are depleted at wide receiver and played well against the Saints. Will that continue? It could be an entertaining shootout.
Best NY Sports Bets
Line: Over/Under is 52.5 (Take the over)
Dallas -7 (Take Giants Plus 7 in the divisional game)
Moneyline: Dallas -305 (Avoid the pick)
Score: Dallas 34, Giants 28
Giants odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook