The Dallas Cowboys and the NFC East rival New York Giants had tumultuous seasons last year, as both finished below .500. Dallas had no problems scoring, as the 471 points scored were the sixth-most in the NFL. Unfortunately, the 511 points allowed were the most. New York allowed 439 points, the seventh-most, but the offense could muster only 381 points.
Both teams tried to address the weaknesses in the offseason.
Dallas brought in a new man to lead the defense, Christian Parker, formerly with the Philadelphia Eagles. The 11th overall pick was used to select defensive back Caleb Downs, while Jalen Thompson and Cobie Durant will be new starters in the secondary. Rashan Gary and Dee Winters will be two new faces at linebacker. Last season, the Cowboys led the league in generating pressure but managed only 35 sacks. Their 12 turnovers were the third-fewest. If the secondary can make opposing quarterbacks hold the ball for just a tad bit longer, the sacks should skyrocket.
New York was decimated by injuries, especially on offense. Quarterback Jaxson Dart only started 12 of 14 games while running back Cam Skattebo was lost after eight contests. Star wide receiver Malik Nabers only suited up for four games. If that triumvirate is healthy, the offense should take a massive leap forward.
The defense ranked middle-of-the-pack in pressure rate and sacks, while its 15 turnovers were the fifth-fewest in the sport. DJ Reader and Shelby Harris were brought in to provide beef on the defensive line while Tremaine Edmunds and first-round pick Arvell Reese will solidify the linebacking core. Brian Burns and Abdul Carter should provide a potent pass rush off the edge. Greg Newsome II was added to the secondary, while new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson brings an aggressive scheme to the mix.
The biggest addition will be new head coach John Harbaugh. After being the head man in Baltimore, he brings tons of experience, and the team should be fundamentally sound and disciplined on both sides of the ball. But it could take time to truly sculpt this team in his image.
Below are the values that could hopefully help take you to the promised land.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL Showdown $1.11M Sunday Night Showdown [$250K to 1st] (DAL @ NYG)
TE Theo Johnson, New York Giants ($2,700)
Isaiah Likely is atop the depth chart at tight end, and he will likely get the majority of the snaps and targets at the position. That said, the Giants only have four wide receivers, and there’s a chance that both Likely and Johnson are on the field together. Johnson has rapport with Jaxson Dart from last season, so a touchdown reception wouldn’t surprise.
WR Ryan Flournoy, Dallas Cowboys ($5,700)
CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and tight end Jake Ferguson garner most of the targets in Dallas’ passing game, as all three received over 100 targets last season. But Flournoy should be on the field often, as the Cowboys utilized 11 personnel at the fifth-highest rate last season. In addition, this will be Flournoy’s third season, and he performed well last year and was talked about very favorably in the offseason.
WR Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants ($3,300)
Beckham is more than likely toast, as he’s 33 years old and has dealt with multiple injuries. He didn’t play in 2022, then started only six of 23 games across 2023 and 2024 with the Ravens and Dolphins. But the Giants currently have only four wide receivers on the depth chart, and one of them, Malik Nabers, could be limited because he’s still recovering from an injury. The Cowboys’ chances of putting up points are elevated, which could push the Giants to prioritize the aerial attack. If so, Beckham could see more snaps and targets. I don’t expect much, but the price is low.
