As the Cowboys and Giants prepare to meet again on Thanksgiving Day, predictions are flying.
With both teams facing challenges, gut feeling staff predictions from analysts shed light on what might unfold at AT&T Stadium.
In this article, we’ll dive into the key matchups, expert forecasts, and how the Cowboys’ offense and the Giants’ quarterback situation could shape the game.
Cowboys vs. Giants Thanksgiving Day Prediction Overview
Thanksgiving Day is a special time for NFL fans, and this year’s Cowboys vs Giants game adds another layer of intrigue.
While the Cowboys come into this matchup with momentum, having snapped their losing streak with a win over Washington, the Giants are looking to break a six-game losing streak.
The stakes are high, with both teams needing a win to stay in playoff contention.
This Thanksgiving game promises to be intense, not just for the holiday tradition but because of the shift in both teams’ dynamics since their last meeting.
The Cowboys have seen their offense improve in recent weeks, while the Giants face quarterback instability with Tommy DeVito and Drew Lock likely to start.
As Patrik from DallasCowboys.com points out, despite the Cowboys struggling earlier in the season, they seem to have found their groove, especially on defense. Cooper Rush will start for the Cowboys, which could be a key factor in this matchup.
Key Player Matchups: Cooper Rush vs. Giants’ Quarterback Situation
One of the most pivotal matchups in this game is Cooper Rush vs. the Giants’ quarterback situation.
With Dak Prescott sidelined on IR, Cooper Rush has been tasked with leading the Cowboys’ offense. Rush has shown flashes of capability, and many experts believe his performance will be crucial for Dallas’ success against a struggling Giants defense.
On the other side, the Giants’ QB situation is far less stable.
Tommy DeVito has been battling an injury and could be pushed to start, with Drew Lock also potentially getting the nod.
Nick, a Cowboys staff writer, raised concerns about the Giants’ dysfunctionality at quarterback, saying that despite having a good defense, their lack of stability under center could cost them.
This will be an uphill battle for the Giants, who are trying to find a spark despite their ongoing struggles.
Dallas Cowboys’ Strongest Assets Heading Into This Game
The Cowboys’ strongest assets heading into this Thanksgiving game include a defense that has been improving steadily, particularly after a stellar performance against the Washington Commanders.
As Mickey Spagnola points out, the Cowboys’ defense has been critical in keeping their playoff hopes alive. With Rico Dowdle gaining ground in the running game and KaVontae Turpin contributing big plays, the offense seems to be finding its rhythm.
Additionally, Dallas’ O-line has been providing solid protection for Cooper Rush, allowing him to make key throws without feeling the pressure.
This balance of offense and defense gives the Cowboys a clear edge heading into this matchup, especially against a Giants team struggling with consistency.
Giants’ Key Struggles and How They Impact the Thanksgiving Day Game
The Giants’ struggles are well-documented. They’ve lost six consecutive games and have a seven-game losing streak to the Cowboys alone.
With Daniel Jones released and Tommy DeVito or Drew Lock likely to start, the Giants’ quarterback situation is a huge question mark.
Kyle, another staff writer, notes that the Giants’ inability to solidify the quarterback position has been a major factor in their downward spiral.
Further complicating things for New York is the tension surrounding head coach Brian Daboll.
As rumors swirl about his future, there’s an undeniable sense of uncertainty in the locker room.
This disarray off the field may have a detrimental effect on their on-field performance, and it could make it hard for the Giants to rally together on Thanksgiving Day.
Why the Cowboys Are Likely to Win – Expert Predictions
When it comes to expert predictions, the Dallas Cowboys are seen as the favorites to win this game.
According to Tommy, the Cowboys’ recent momentum, combined with their defensive prowess, gives them a clear advantage over the Giants.
Nick also agrees, predicting that despite the Giants’ gritty play, the Cowboys’ talent and stronger quarterback play will carry them to victory.
Kyle echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the Cowboys’ firepower would be too much for the Giants to handle.
All signs point to a Cowboys win, with most experts predicting a close game.
However, the overall consensus is that Dallas will manage to secure a win, possibly by a score of 27-23 or similar.
How the Giants Could Upset the Cowboys: Potential Scenarios
While the Cowboys are heavily favored, the Giants still have a few paths to an upset.
If Tommy DeVito or Drew Lock can defy expectations and manage the offense efficiently, the Giants could surprise.
As Patrik pointed out, if the Giants defense can step up and create turnovers, they could shift the momentum in their favor.
In a potential upset scenario, the Giants could also rely on strong special teams play, with players like KaVontae Turpin for Dallas providing sparks that might be extinguished by New York’s defense.
Rico Dowdle could also have a breakout game, putting additional pressure on the Giants defense to stop the run.
Key Statistics and Trends to Watch for on Thanksgiving Day
There are several key statistics and trends that will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this game.
Dallas’ Thanksgiving Day record has been strong historically, and their ability to win these types of games could be a deciding factor.
Additionally, Rico Dowdle’s rushing numbers and Cooper Rush’s passing efficiency will be important metrics to watch.
The Giants’ record in recent years against Dallas shows their struggle, with the Cowboys dominating in head-to-head matchups.
This trend could be difficult to overcome for New York, especially given their current roster issues.
Final Score Predictions and What Fans Can Expect
In conclusion, experts are predicting that Dallas will pull out a victory on Thanksgiving Day, with scores ranging from 27-23 to 27-10.
Fans can expect a tight game, but with Dallas’ defensive strength and offensive improvements, it seems likely that the Cowboys will come out on top.
Conclusion
With Thanksgiving Day bringing high stakes for both teams, it seems the Cowboys have the upper hand, despite the Giants’ attempts to upset.
What do you think will happen? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned for more updates on Cowboys vs Giants and other NFL matchups on Ando Money.