Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants: Sport DFW Week 1 Predictions
By Reid Hanson
The Dallas Cowboys get the season rolling against the New York Giants Sunday Night. Here’s what we’re predicting…
Opening week of the NFL season is full of optimism around the country. Unless you reside in Cleveland, hope runs full and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
The Dallas Cowboys may have the highest expectations of all. Coming off a spectacular 13-3 season, the Cowboys delivered more optimism to their fans than ever seen before. But no one expects this matchup to be easy.
The New York Giants are the sole team the Cowboys played but could not conquer last season. Every other team they faced, they found a way to beat at least once. Do the Giants have the secret formula or is their luck about to run out?
We ask the Sport DFW team:
Reid Hanson, Sport DFW Site Expert
The Cowboys defensive strength is their run support and their weakness is their coverage. The Giants strength is their running game and their weakness is their passing game. This doesn’t bode well for the Cowboys.
Expect the Giants to abandon the run and rely on a three step passing attack to move the ball. The Cowboys will be dedicated to slowing them down rather than stop them making for a painful Game 1 experience.
The matchup to watch is the Cowboys receivers against the Giants defensive backs. Both groups are some of the best in the game but the Cowboys group will ultimately come out on top.
This Week 1 matchup should be electric pic.twitter.com/Age9rh8KYz
— PFF (@PFF) August 6, 2017
Despite the average scores last season between the two clubs, I expect a shootout Sunday Night.
Cowboys 34 Giants 27
Related Story: What to expect in week 1 against the Giants
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Jason Lippert, Sport DFW Writer
The Dallas Cowboys struggled mightily against the stout defense of the Giants in 2016. Without Zeke in the backfield, doubt was creeping in on whether Dallas can get over the hump and take down New York. But with Zeke back in the fold and a strong outing from Dak Prescott and the defensive, the Cowboys take the season opener.
Dallas fails to jump out of the gates early, punting on their first three possessions. The Giants quickly gain a 10-0 lead, and push it to 13-3 at halftime. Dak steps up his game in the second half, throwing for 200 yards and 3 touchdowns to lead a furious comeback.
New York tries to win it late, but Eli Manning throws his second interception of the fourth quarter on the final drive and the Cowboys start the 2017 season on a high note.
Cowboys 24 Giants 20
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Dink Kearney, Sport DFW Writer
The Dallas Cowboys host their inferior nemesis, the New York Giants, in their season opener — which seems like an annual season opener matchup. Both teams enter the game with a legitimate weaknesses. The Giants can’t run and the Cowboys have a suspect secondary. However, the Cowboys will test the Giants top-ranked run defense and establish the running game with Zeke running the rock, setting up the playaction.
Expect Dez Bryant to get revenge on Janoris Jenkins and play at an All Pro level.
Dak Prescott will prove to everyone he’s no one year wonder and exploit the mismatches with slot receivers Cole Beasley and rookie Ryan Switzer. The Cowboys will win this game in convincing fashion as Dak throws for three touchdowns and over 300 yards passing. The Cowboys defense will intercept a few of Eli Manning’s passes and the average pass rush will dominate the Giants weak offensive line.
Next: Why the Cowboys offense will be even better in 2017
Expect a high scoring, close game between hated rivals.
Cowboys 36 Giants 32