We have a thrilling Thursday Night Football showdown on the schedule this week, as the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants square off in an NFC East matchup. From a sports betting perspective, I'm heading the PrizePicks route, where I've narrowed in on three player predictions. If you opt for the PrizePicks Power Play, this trio provides a respectable +500 payout.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
We have a thrilling Thursday Night Football showdown on the schedule this week, as the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants square off in an NFC East matchup. From a sports betting perspective, I'm heading the PrizePicks route, where I've narrowed in on three player predictions. If you opt for the PrizePicks Power Play, this trio provides a respectable +500 payout.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
NFL Thursday Night Football PrizePicks Predictions: Cowboys vs. Giants
(Player predictions courtesy of PrizePicks)
The first player prediction I'm rolling with is Jalen Tolbert to clear 2.5 receptions. The Dallas receiver has done so in each of his last two games, hauling in six receptions (on nine targets) against the Saints. He followed it up with three catches (on five targets) against the Ravens.
I was between tight end Jake Ferguson and Tolbert, but with Tolbert being lined lower than his teammate (4.0 receptions at PrizePicks), I think it makes sense to ride with him. Both players have 16 targets this season. My theory here is that Dak Prescott is going to have to get rid of the ball quickly, which means he'll have to find Tolbert or Ferguson first, rather than a deep threat like CeeDee Lamb. New York blitzes on 34.2% of their defensive plays, which is the fifth-highest mark in the league. With the Cowboys' offensive line being a vulnerability, it could cause issues for their passing game. Hence, why I expect a lot of quick-hitting pass plays to Tolbert or Ferguson.
Despite having Ezekiel Elliott, who's more of a household name, in the backfield, make no mistake, Rico Dowdle is the lead man in Dallas. The 26-year-old has received 23 carries this season, compared to Elliott's 19. Dowdle has yet to eclipse this line of 39.5 rushing yards, but this should be his best opportunity to do so.
The Cowboys square off against a Giants defense ranked 27th in rushing yards allowed per attempt, giving up 5.0 yards per tote. Through three games, New York has given up 111 rushing yards to the Vikings, 215 yards to the Commanders, and 69 yards to the Browns. Overall, that's an average of 131.7 rushing yards per contest, which is 23rd in the NFL. Ultimately, I see Dallas utilizing the run a lot more in this game, potentially helping to offset the constant blitzing attack of New York. Dowdle should be the main benefactor if this theory plays out.
Dallas' defense is a massive issue this season, where they're ranked just 28th in the league, conceding 372.7 yards per game. Through the air, they're giving up 187.0 yards per game, which is a pedestrian 14th-most in the league.
That's roughly where PFF ranked their secondary heading into the year, having them at 13th overall. They mention in the article cornerbacks DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs are boom-or-bust corners. I can't think of a better way to describe the duo. On that note, Bland is on injured reserve (IR) with a foot injury. His backup, Caelen Carson, is listed as doubtful with a shoulder injury.
I expect Daniel Jones to find plenty of success in the passing game on Thursday. Through three games, his top target is rookie Malik Nabers. The former LSU Tiger has hauled in 23 receptions on 37 targets, racking up 271 yards and three touchdowns. Those numbers all rank inside the top five in the NFL. Jones loves his new weapon outside, and we should see him lean on him in this primetime spot. With the shaky defending of Diggs & Co., there's big-play potential, which could help us chip away at this lofty receiving total rather quickly.
