Cowboys vs Giants: 3 bold predictions for Thursday’s matchup

Here are our bold predictions for today’s Thanksgiving Day matchup.

After a much-needed win in Washington, the Dallas Cowboys are back at it on Thursday afternoon as they host the division-rival New York Giants. Before the two teams square off on Turkey Day, here are three bold predictions for the matchup.

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1) Cowboys’ pass rush causes havoc, recording five sacks

One thing the Cowboys did very well against the Commanders last week was rush the passer. Against one of the most mobile quarterbacks in all of football, Jayden Daniels, Dallas recorded 21 total pressures, 11 quarterback hurries, and four sacks.

It’s been a night and day difference from the Cowboys rushing the passer since Micah Parsons returned. His presence has made some of Dallas’ other pass-rushers perform better, and this week their defense gets a very favorable matchup.

While it’s still up in the air if Dallas will face veteran Drew Lock or Tommy DeVito this week, neither quarterback is close to as mobile as Daniels. The Cowboys’ pass rush could cause them big-time problems for either quarterback. Last week against the Buccaneers, the Giants’ offensive line really struggled allowing 25 total pressures, 16 quarterback hurries, and five sacks.

This week will be more of the same as New York’s offensive line struggles once again. Led by Micah Parsons, Dallas’ defense records a total of five sacks, putting consistent pressure on the Giants’ signal-caller.

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2) CeeDee Lamb continues his dominance against the Giants, recording 125+ receiving yards and scoring two touchdowns

Ever since he entered the league in 2020, CeeDee Lamb has been a thorn in the Giants’ side. Five seasons into his NFL career, New York still hasn’t figured out a way to slow down the talented wideout.

In nine career games against the Giants, Lamb has gone over 75 receiving yards seven times, catching a total of 59 passes for 820 yards and five touchdowns. The last time the two teams met on Thanksgiving back in 2022, Lamb had a huge day, catching 11 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown.

The Giants’ inability to slow down opposing teams’ top wide receivers bodes well for Lamb and the Cowboys in this game. The four receivers below have faced the Giants this season, with all four catching all but one of their targets throughout the game.

• Mike Evans – 5 catches 68 yards (5 targets)
• George Pickens – 4 catches, 74 yards (5 targets)
• A.J. Brown – 5 catches, 89 yards 1 TD (6 targets)
• Ja’Marr Chase – 5 catches, 72 yards (6 targets)

CeeDee Lamb, the most targeted receiver in the NFL, should be able to take advantage of this on Thanksgiving Day. The All-Pro wideout has one of his best days of the season, recording 125+ receiving yards and two touchdowns, continuing his dominance over Dallas’ division rival.

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3) KaVontae Turpin returns another kick for a touchdown

KaVontae Turpin made the play of the day last Sunday in Dallas’ win over Washington. The 28-year-old returned a kick 99 yards for a touchdown, recording a top speed of 21.35 mph and showing off one of the nastiest spin moves in NFL history.

Turpin has been very aggressive all year returning kicks. You’d think with his other-worldly speed teams would be wary of giving him a chance, but so far this season that has not been the case. Turpin leads the league with 762 kick return yards and an average of 36.3 Y/Ret.

This week, lightning will strike twice as Turpin once again makes a highlight-reel-worthy play. Late in the third quarter, Turpin returns a kick and takes it all the way again, giving Dallas a double-digit lead that holds for the rest of the game.