Thursday Night Football features a showdown between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants, scheduled to kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET/5:20 p.m. PT on Amazon Prime Video. This matchup shifts the focus from the AFC East to the NFC East as these two rivals clash in primetime.
The Cowboys have established themselves as a dominant force in the NFC East during the Dak Prescott era, while the Giants have struggled to keep pace. Fantasy football enthusiasts will find plenty of compelling storylines, particularly in the performances of key players.
One of the key matchups to watch is between CeeDee Lamb and Malik Nabers. Lamb was a top candidate for the first overall pick in fantasy drafts this summer. However, through the first three weeks, he has underperformed compared to Nabers, who emerged as the leading wide receiver in fantasy football. Currently, Lamb ranks as WR19, while Nabers leads the league in targets.
Colleague Scott Pianowski highlighted the Giants’ strategy to utilize Nabers, who has garnered substantial attention from quarterback Daniel Jones. In contrast, Lamb’s production has been dampened by a lack of targets, receiving only 24 through three weeks and making just 13 catches. The Cowboys’ struggles in offensive productivity have been evident, particularly after a disappointing loss to the Ravens.
In terms of running backs, there has been criticism regarding the Cowboys’ handling of the position, especially after potential opportunities like signing Derrick Henry were overlooked. Currently, Rico Dowdle appears to be taking the lead as the RB1 for the Cowboys, having outperformed Ezekiel Elliott recently. Dowdle’s increased workload against the Giants could be pivotal, especially considering the team’s need for a strong ground game.
For the Giants, Devin Singletary is a name to consider if you’re deliberating on a flex option. Despite not being the flashiest choice, Singletary has consistently produced, scoring a touchdown in consecutive games and averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Given the Cowboys’ struggles against the run, the Giants would benefit from utilizing Singletary to control the clock and limit the Cowboys’ offensive opportunities.
As the game approaches, all eyes will be on how both teams utilize their key players in this critical matchup.