Dallas Cowboys vs N.y. Giants Giants Picks and Predictions November 28th 2024

Winless at Home, Cowboys Hope Thanksgiving Brings Redemption Against Struggling Giants

The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants meet for a Thanksgiving Day matchup, both looking to salvage pride from a dismal 2024 season. The NFC East rivals have combined for just six wins against 16 losses, with the Cowboys at 4-7 and the Giants languishing at 2-9. With both teams out of playoff contention, the game serves as a platform for individual redemption and team evaluation.

A Season of Struggles for Both Teams

Dallas Cowboys: Searching for Stability
The Cowboys snapped a four-game losing streak with a 34-26 win against the Washington Commanders last week. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush led the charge, completing 75% of his passes for two touchdowns, though he faces a quick turnaround due to a knee injury. Despite the win, Dallas remains 14th in the NFC, with no home wins in five attempts.

“The fight has definitely been there,” said head coach Mike McCarthy. “We’re still in the valley of adversity, but we’ve taken a step forward.”

The Cowboys are looking for their first season sweep of the Giants in four years and hope a Thanksgiving Day victory will generate momentum for the season’s final stretch.

New York Giants: A Team in Turmoil
For the Giants, a six-game losing streak has exposed deep flaws in their roster and strategy. Rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito has struggled behind an injury-riddled offensive line. Starters Jermaine Eluemunor (quad) and Evan Neal (hip) are questionable, leaving the Giants’ ability to protect DeVito in serious doubt.

Coach Brian Daboll is also managing internal tensions after rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers publicly criticized the team’s effort following a 30-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence echoed frustrations, questioning the team’s decision to bench former first-round quarterback Daniel Jones.

“When you lose a game like that, there’s frustration,” Daboll said. “You’d like to keep it in-house, but we’ll work hard to get this fixed.”

Weekly Football Picks

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Cowboys’ Defense vs. Giants’ Offense
The Cowboys’ pass rush, led by Micah Parsons, could dominate against the Giants’ patchwork offensive line. Parsons, who has recorded four sacks in his last three games, will look to exploit New York’s protection issues. DeVito, already battered in last week’s loss to Tampa Bay, faces a daunting task against this relentless unit.

2. Cowboys’ Running Game
Dallas running back Rico Dowdle has emerged as a bright spot, delivering a career-high 86 rushing yards last week. He’ll face a Giants defense that has allowed over 140 rushing yards in five consecutive games. Dowdle’s consistency on the ground could relieve pressure on Rush and open up the passing game.

3. Giants’ Playmakers Under Pressure
Malik Nabers has shown flashes of brilliance, including a 12-catch, 115-yard performance in Week 4 against Dallas. However, his recent lack of targets raises questions about his role in the offense. Running back Tyrone Tracy, plagued by costly fumbles, must secure the ball to avoid gifting opportunities to the Cowboys.

Injury Updates

Both teams are dealing with significant injuries. The Cowboys hope to see the return of key players, including tight end Jake Ferguson (concussion), cornerback Trevon Diggs (groin/knee), and guard Tyler Smith (ankle/knee). However, left guard Zack Martin (shoulder/ankle) is unlikely to play. Wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) is set to return after a lengthy absence.

The Giants’ injury woes extend beyond their offensive line. DeVito will need extra blockers to survive Dallas’ defensive onslaught, while the team must also contend with offensive inconsistencies exacerbated by absences and poor execution.

Statistical Snapshot

• Cowboys: Last in the NFC East in home record (0-5); 14th in the NFC overall.
• Giants: Last in the league in scoring (14.8 points per game) and 28th in passing offense (187.9 yards per game).
• Head-to-Head: The Cowboys have dominated recent matchups, including a 20-15 victory over the Giants earlier this season.

The Stakes on Thanksgiving

While the playoffs are a distant dream for both teams, this game offers significant stakes:

• For the Cowboys: A win would improve their record to 5-7 and give them a slim hope of re-entering the playoff conversation. It would also mark their first home win, breaking a streak that has loomed over the team all season.
• For the Giants: The focus is on evaluating young players like DeVito and Nabers while addressing team morale. Winning in Dallas would serve as a morale boost in an otherwise challenging season.

Predictions and Final Thoughts

The Cowboys, buoyed by their defense and improved running game, enter as favorites. With Micah Parsons likely to disrupt DeVito and the Giants’ offensive rhythm, Dallas has a clear path to victory. For the Giants, avoiding turnovers and finding creative ways to neutralize Parsons will be critical.

As both teams gather on Thanksgiving, the game offers more than just a battle for divisional pride. It’s an opportunity for redemption, progress, and perhaps a sliver of hope in seasons defined by adversity.