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Steve Grogan Est. 2004
FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

Week 4 TNF: Cowboys-Giants Preview, Props, Prediction

Thu Sep 26 12:26pm ET
Field Level Media

The Dallas Cowboys whipped the New York Giants twice last season, including a 40-0 demolition in a primetime affair at the Meadowlands.

Dallas (1-2) returns to the scene for another primetime contest against the Giants (1-2) on Thursday night when the two NFC East teams meet at East Rutherford, N.J.

ODDS AND TRENDS

Dallas is a 5.5- to 6.0-point favorite at most sportsbooks. The line is 5.5 at BetRivers, where the Cowboys have been backed with 78 percent of the tickets and 86 percent of the money wagered on the spread line. Meanwhile, the line is 6.0 at DraftKings, where Dallas has also drawn one-sided action with 77 percent of both markets.

The Cowboys have covered the spread in 10 of their past 11 road games coming off a loss.

Dallas' moneyline has been even more popular, drawing 93 percent of the tickets and money at -265 at BetRivers and 75 and 80 percent, respectively at -258 at DraftKings.

The two books also have slightly different totals for the Over/Under. At BetRivers (45.0 total points), the Over has been backed by 80 percent of the money, while the 45.5-point total at DraftKings has seen the Over draw 64 percent.

PROP PICKS

--Over 45.0 Total Points (-110 at BetRivers): The Cowboys have gone over the total points line in five consecutive games, and their first three games of 2024 have averaged 46.0 total points.

--Giants RB Devin Singletary Over 15.5 Receiving Yards (-130 at DraftKings): The 27-year-old has built solid early chemistry with Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. Singletary has at least four targets in two of the first three games, and is coming off a four-catch, 43-yard effort against the Browns in Week 3 as he provides a trusted underneath option with rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers drawing increased attention from defenses.

COWBOYS 'GOT TO GET IT RIGHT'

Dallas hasn't been so fearsome to start this season. After defeating the Cleveland Browns in the opener, the Cowboys have been routed by the New Orleans Saints and then lost 28-25 in a misleading final score to the visiting Baltimore Ravens last weekend.

The Cowboys scored 19 unanswered fourth-quarter points to make it close, but the comeback didn't mask the issues.

"We've got to get it right," Dallas star linebacker Micah Parsons said. "You know what I'm saying? This is a winning organization. I'll uphold that standard, but at the same time, everyone has to uphold the standard. And I think I'm confident in my faith, and I just think we're being tested right now. I really believe we're being tested. It has to come together. It's humbling."

Dallas defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence didn't like seeing his squad trailing by 22 points at home.

"It doesn't matter how much willpower you have at the end," Lawrence said. "If you don't start good, most likely you're not gonna finish good, so the outcome is the outcome. Only thing we can do is go and review it and get better from it."

GIANTS GAINING CONFIDENCE

New York won 21-15 at Cleveland last Sunday for its first victory.

Jones threw for two touchdowns for the second straight game while passing for a season-high 236 yards.

The Giants suddenly have a chance to be .500 after opening with two losses. However, the dreaded Cowboys are back in town. In last season's other meeting, host Dallas won 49-17.

"Yeah, we don't like losing to anybody, especially a divisional game," Jones said. "We understand what this game means, and we'll be ready to go."

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has passed for an NFL-best 851 yards as well as four touchdowns. He also has been intercepted twice and sacked nine times.

KEY STATS

Dallas' run game is sagging with Rico Dowdle leading the way with 88 yards and Ezekiel Elliott contributing 62. The Cowboys rank 30th in the NFL with an average of 73.7 rushing yards per game.

Parsons, the fourth-year star, has just 12 tackles and one sack. He had 40.5 sacks over his first three seasons.

New York ranks 29th in scoring offense at 15 points per game. Jones has passed for 600 yards with Nabers (271 yards) accumulating 45 percent of the yardage. Nabers has three touchdown receptions.

"I have confidence in all our guys," Jones said, "and Malik's played well, but we've got a lot of good receivers."

SERIES HISTORY

Dallas has won the past six meetings and 13 of the past 14 with New York, with last season's trouncing of the Giants in the season opener the most one-sided of those contests.

INJURY REPORT

New York cornerbacks Adoree' Jackson and Dru Phillips both will miss the game to due calf injuries. Wide receiver Darius Slayton (thumb) is questionable.

Dallas cornerback Caelen Carson (shoulder) and safety Markquese Bell (ankle) both are listed as doubtful, and McCarthy termed the duo game-time decisions.

THEY SAID IT

--"I'm a person, every game I act like it's the Super Bowl for me, for myself. But, of course, you do remember. I think everybody will remember home opener being beat like that on primetime TV." --Giants safety Jason Pinnock on last season's blowout loss at home to the Cowboys.

--"He has the size and the speed and the body control," McCarthy said. "I think he's a very exciting player when the ball's in the air. That's what stands out to me." --Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy on Nabers.

PREDICTION

The Cowboys have been pushed around on both sides of the ball the past two weeks, but that shouldn't be the case against the Giants. Dallas has its proverbial back against the wall early in the season and will play with a heightened sense of urgency on the road against a bitter division rival. --Cowboys 30, Giants 20

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Player Notes
Bucky Irving Sep 26 1:10pm ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (hamstring) isn't practicing on Thursday but said he will be ready to play on Sunday in Week 4 against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles. Irving was listed as a limited participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, so a downgrade to a DNP isn't exactly ideal. How much the 22-year-old does in practice on Friday will ultimately decide whether he's listed as questionable on the final Week 4 injury report. Irving has been the more elusive and more efficient backfield option for the Bucs so far through three weeks over Rachaad White, but Irving's injury could complicate things this weekend. In the Week 3 loss to the Denver Broncos, Irving had nine carries for a team-high 70 yards and also caught three passes for 14 yards. He's a worth bench stash in fantasy for now, even if you don't have White rostered.

From RotoBaller

Dan Campbell Sep 26 1:10pm ET
Dan Campbell

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that center Frank Ragnow (pectoral) will not play on Monday night in Week 4 versus the visiting Seattle Seahawks. The team has a lot more football left to play this year and want their Pro Bowl center for the long haul. It's pretty much a no-brainer move, too, with the Lions bye coming in Week 5. The 28-year-old center suffered a partially torn pectoral muscle in the Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals and may not be ready to go when the team returns to action in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys, either. Not having Ragnow this Monday night will be a big blow to the Lions offense as they go up against what has been an underrated Seattle defense. Michael Niese is expected to take over for Ragnow as the team's starting center in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Sep 26 12:10pm ET
C.J. Stroud

The schedule has opened up for Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, who will face the floundering Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4. Last year's Offensive Rookie of the Year ranks a middling 15th among fantasy quarterbacks after back-to-back muted offensive days against Chicago and Minnesota, but the Jags offer a possible reprieve. Jacksonville ranks 30th among NFL defenses in yards allowed, 25th in completions allowed, 22nd in pressures, and 32nd in yards after the catch. Even with the Houston running game possibly limited by injuries, Stroud is a QB1 option who can be started with confidence against a struggling defense at home.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Sep 26 12:00pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

Through three weeks, the Jacksonville Jaguars have been arguably the biggest underachievers in the NFL, which is great news for fantasy managers who own the Houston Texans' defense/special teams. Aside from the seemingly good matchup, the Texans have been able to disrupt quarterbacks, ranking fourth in the NFL in sacks, sixth in pressure percentage and tied for seventh in interceptions. Jacksonville and struggling quarterback Trevor Lawrence have not cracked 17 points and are coming off a total dud on Monday Night Football against Buffalo. Given the circumstances of this matchup Houston playing at home, fairly healthy, and the Jags in turmoil the Texans are a startable option in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Sep 26 12:00pm ET
Dalton Schultz

The frustrating tight-end landscape this season certainly has extended to Dalton Schultz of the Houston Texans. The 28-year-old ranks a woeful 34th among fantasy tight ends through three weeks, nowhere near the production expected for a player drafted to be a possible starter. However, things could be looking up for the Stanford man, who faces his best matchup of the season with the Jacksonville Jaguars coming to Houston in Week 4. The Texans have played back-to-back tough offensive games against Chicago and Minnesota, but the Jags have allowed an NFL-worst 497 yards after the catch. Schultz is a low-end TE1, high-end TE2 play who could benefit if Houston has a big passing day.

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Stefon Diggs Sep 26 12:00pm ET
Stefon Diggs

Since being traded to the Houston Texans, wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been the second option to fellow wide receiver Nico Collins. Even so, the 30-year-old still has seen an average of eight targets per game and clocks in as the 10th overall receiver in PPR formats through three weeks. With a favorable matchup against Jacksonville in Week 4, the Maryland product continues to be a steady flex option. The Jaguars have allowed nearly 500 yards after the catch in just three games, which ranks dead last in the NFL. If Houston's passing offense can keep the trend going, Diggs figures to be part of the action.

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Nico Collins Sep 26 12:00pm ET
Nico Collins

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins should continue to be among the NFL's elite when his team plays host to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The fourth-year pro leads the league with 338 receiving yards in just three weeks, 50 more yards than any other pass catcher in football. So far, the low point of Collins' season was four catches for 86 yards on 10 targets, four of which were in the red zone. Next up is Jacksonville, which has allowed more yards after the catch than any team in the NFL. The Michigan product is entering his prime, plays on a capable offense, and has an enticing matchup, making him a clear WR1 in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Chuba Hubbard Sep 26 10:50am ET
Chuba Hubbard

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard had his best game of the year in Week 3 with Andy Dalton under center. In the team's win over the Raiders, Hubbard carried 21 times for 114 yards and caught five passes for 55 yards with a receiving touchdown. With a favorable game script for the first time this season, Hubbard turned in a dominant fantasy day. The versatile running back popped up on the injury report as a limited practice participant on Wednesday but it was listed as non-football related/rest. Without knowing the flow of the game this week, it is tough to predict 26 touches for Hubbard but he is dominating touches in the Panthers' backfield at the moment and fantasy managers will want to ride his hot hand in the Week 4 matchup against the Bengals. Hubbard looks like a really solid RB2 this week with a lot of upside in this matchup.

From RotoBaller

Andy Dalton Sep 26 10:40am ET
Andy Dalton

Coming off an excellent performance against the Raiders, Carolina Panthers Andy Dalton looks like a good play in Week 4 against Cincinnati. Dalton's former team, the Bengals, just gave up a big quarterback performance to Jayden Daniels of the Commanders. Dalton was 26-of-37 passing for 319 yards and three touchdowns in his Week 3 start after taking over for Bryce Young. He will be without one of his top weapons in Adam Thielen (hamstring) who was placed on IR. Still, Diontae Johnson, Xavier Legette, and Jonathan Mingo should be able to pick up the slack in a favorable matchup. The Red Rifle popped up on the Panthers' first injury report of the week with an ankle issue but was listed as a full participant on Wednesday. Dalton looks like a potential starting fantasy quarterback this week depending on roster construction at the position. He finished as the QB6 in Week 3 and a similar performance this week is not out of the question.

From RotoBaller

Zach Cunningham Sep 26 1:13am ET
Zach Cunningham

The Denver Broncos signed free-agent LB Zach Cunningham (Raiders) to the practice squad on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

From TheHuddle

Dalton Schultz Sep 26 12:40am ET
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (ankle) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, according to the team's PR department. It's worth noting that the lingering ankle issue impacted Schultz's practice status last week, too, but that didn't stop him from playing a season-high 96 percent of snaps on Sunday afternoon. He now has a modest seven catches, 48 yards, and zero touchdowns through three games this season. His reduced productivity could be the result of an offense that has become even more crowded following the offseason addition of Stefon Diggs. For now, Schultz is a mid-to-low fantasy TE2.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Badie Sep 26 12:30am ET
Tyler Badie

The Denver Broncos have signed running back Tyler Badie to their 53-man roster, according to Mike Klis of 9News. Badie, a third-year player out of the University of Missouri, had earned back-to-back elevations from the practice squad for Weeks 2 and 3. Now, after rushing nine times for 70 yards in last Sunday's contest, the 24-year-old has officially graduated from the practice squad to the active roster. He still figures to operate behind Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin, but given that both of those backs have struggled with efficiency and production this year, there could be some extra opportunities for Badie to prove himself within the next few weeks. He lacks fantasy appeal at the moment but remains a player to monitor.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Henry Sep 26 12:30am ET
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (ankle) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, according to Mark Daniels of MassLive. The veteran has been inconsistent in fantasy football this season, catching eight passes for 109 yards in Week 2 but then disappearing for just two catches and nine yards in Week 3. His fantasy value directly correlates to the state of the Patriots' offense, which isn't very good right now. New England's unfavorable offensive outlook makes all of their skill players, including Henry, tough to trust from a fantasy football perspective. On the injury front, the good news is that players who are limited on Wednesday have a solid chance to practice in full before the practice week ends. We should know more about Henry's status by Friday afternoon, but as of now, he's trending toward playing against the San Francisco 49ers.

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Taysom Hill Sep 26 12:20am ET
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (chest) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, according to John Hendrix of Sports Illustrated. Hill appears to be making significant progress after missing Week 3 due to injury. The veteran playmaker's full participation in practice suggests that he's on track to play against the Atlanta Falcons without any limitations this coming Sunday, barring a setback. Hill didn't deliver enough production to make him a top fantasy option through the first two weeks of the season, but his role as the Saints' Swiss army knife still gives him some fantasy appeal going forward. He should be treated as a mid-range TE2 this week.

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Khalil Shakir Sep 26 12:20am ET
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir has emerged as the team's best player at the position "and it hasn't been close," according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. Amidst speculation that Keon Coleman or Curtis Samuel would climb to the top of the depth chart, it's actually Shakir who has made the best impression so far. He has become Josh Allen's go-to receiver, catching all 14 of his targets for 168 yards and two touchdowns through three weeks. He's already the overall WR17 in PPR leagues, cementing himself as a strong weekly option for fantasy managers. He should continue to be trusted heading into Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens.

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Jaylen Warren Sep 25 10:40pm ET
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) was a non-participant in the team's first practice of the week. It's not exactly a surprise after head coach Mike Tomlin reported Tuesday that he's "unsure" whether Warren would suit up for their Week 4 matchup. The news comes after the 25-year-old was scheduled for an MRI on his ailing knee on Monday. Presumably, he picked up the injury during Pittsburgh's 20-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. However, exactly when it occurred is unknown. Tomlin is the one who pulled the former undrafted free agent from the contest and remarked on him during his post-game presser, stating, "It didn't look like he was running smoothly." The Oklahoma State product has been vastly out-touched by his counterpart Najee Harris thus far, and the latter should expect an increased workload this Sunday when the team heads to Indianapolis with Cordarrelle Patterson to mix in as the primary change-of-pace back.

From RotoBaller

Kirk Cousins Sep 25 10:33pm ET
Kirk Cousins

Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins has completed 11 of his 22 passes when under pressure this season, and his passer rating drops from 116.1 to 43.1 with three interceptions.

Fantasy Spin: He is working his way back from an Achilles injury, and decreased mobility in the pocket could certainly be a side effect. Cousins may improve as the season goes on, but for now, he should be viewed as a QB2.

From TheHuddle

Andy Dalton Sep 25 10:20pm ET
Andy Dalton

Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (ankle) appeared on the team's injury report Wednesday but was a full participant in practice. It's unclear when the 36-year-old sustained the injury, but Panthers fans can breathe a sigh of relief as it does not appear to be serious. The long-time Bengal lit it up in his first regular-season action since Week 3 of 2023, becoming the first signal-caller this season to rack up 300 yards (319) and toss three touchdowns in a single outing. It was a vintage performance from the Red Rifle, leading Carolina to its first victory of 2024 and first win since Week 15 of last season. The Panthers will host the 0-3 Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4, and Dalton has worked his way into streaming consideration ahead of this matchup after his dominant performance. The "revenge game" narrative only makes this contest more exciting. He'll be a QB2 with upside.

From RotoBaller

Nick Bellore Sep 25 10:03pm ET
Nick Bellore

Washington Commanders FB Nick Bellore's one-year deal is worth $1.21 million.

From TheHuddle

Dameon Pierce Sep 25 10:00pm ET
Dameon Pierce

Despite missing his fifth-straight practice, Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) is expected to return to action in Week 4. It's excellent news for the team as first-string back Joe Mixon (ankle) is still considered week-to-week after missing Houston's Week 3 matchup -- a 34-7 defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings. In that contest, running back Cam Akers led the team with a paltry 21 yards on nine carries. With the Texans mincing words, fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on the 24-year-old's status heading into Houston's home matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. If Pierce can play, he'll be in store for a sizable workload against a Jaguars squad that just got torched by the Buffalo Bills, allowing 47 points on Monday Night Football.

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