The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants will square off in Week 1 of the 2019 NFL season. These two teams are used to playing each other early in the season. In 2018, the Cowboys took down the Giants 20-17 in Week 2. Dallas parlayed that win with a 36-35 triumph over New York in Week 17 to complete the sweep.
This season, the Cowboys are looking to win the NFC East and make it back to the playoffs. Both teams have had a drama filled offseason. The Giants traded Odell Beckham to the Cleveland Browns. They added Daniel Jones with the sixth overall pick of April's draft. In Dallas, Ezekiel Elliott is continuing his holdout and will not play until a new contract is done.
Despite being without one of the best running backs in the NFL, the Cowboys will still beat the Giants in Week 1. Here are four reasons why.
4. Jerry World
Home field advantage has been kind to the Cowboys. AT&T Stadium is one of the premiere arenas in all of sports. When the Cowboys are home, they send their fans home happy.
In 2018, Dallas went 7-1 at home in the regular season. They won all three divisional games at home and picked up big wins over the New Orleans Saints and Jacksonville Jaguars. This led the Cowboys to the NFC East title and a home playoff game, which they won.
The Giants went 3-5 on the road last season. Despite having the experience of Eli Manning on their side, this game will be tough given the atmosphere in Arlington. The home-field advantage is a main reason why the Cowboys will come out on top in this game.
3. Cowboys Front Seven
The Giants had one of the worst offensive lines in the league last season. They have improved that unit, but the Cowboys will still own the line of scrimmage. Demarcus Lawrence led the team with 10.5 sacks in 2018. He recently came to terms on a five-year, $105 million deal to stay in Dallas. Lawrence will have a field day against the Giants.
When it comes to linebackers, the Cowboys may have the best unit in the division. Leighton Vander Esch was taken late in the first-round last year and turned into a steal. Combining Vander Esch with Jaylon Smith means nothing but good things for the Cowboys. Expect Manning to be under pressure at all times during this game.
2. Quarterback Play
There is no doubting the career of Manning, but he has taken steps back over the last few seasons. He will only continue to decline as he gets older. The Giants drafted his replacement, but Manning will lead the Giants at the beginning of the season.
For Dallas, Dak Prescott is viewed as the franchise guy. In 2018, Prescott finished with 3,885 yards and 22 touchdown passes. His numbers are not gaudy, but his ability to hold onto the ball is what will carry Dallas. Prescott threw just eight interceptions last season. Elliott is a big key to Prescott's success because he opens up the play action game. Even without Zeke, unless a deal gets done prior to the game, Prescott should be able to lead the Cowboys past New York.
Heading into the game, the Cowboys will have the edge under center. In 2019, Manning is clearly not the same player that he was throughout the majority of his career. His mobility is non-existent and his arm strength has decreased. When looking at this matchup head to head, there is no question that Prescott has the clear advantage.
1. Offensive Line Battle
The Cowboys recently came to terms with right tackle La'el Collins. It was a five-year extension that will make him one of the highest-paid right tackles in the NFL. Collins is just one piece of a strong Cowboys' line. The right side of the line for Dallas is locked up for years with Zack Martin and now Collins.
Tyron Smith returned to practice this week and should be ready to go in Week 1. The Cowboys are looking to get their offensive line back to the dominance of 2017. If this unit remains healthy, they certainly can. This means bad things for the Giants. Even if Elliott does not play, the Cowboys' run game will be successful because of their five up front. This also goes a long way towards keeping Prescott upright and healthy.
Dallas should have no problem picking up a Week 1 win when the Giants come to town.
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