Week 1 of the 2023 NFL Season offers us a showdown between two of the biggest rivals in the history of the league. The Dallas Cowboys head East for a season debut against the New York Giants in Week 1. Even better, it’s our first Sunday Night Football game of the season. These NFC East rivals should put on one heck of a show on primetime.
The NFL odds Week 1 for the Cowboys vs Giants favor the road team by three points on the spread. The full-game betting total is 47 points.
Despite a bitter rivalry, the Cowboys have dominated the Giants over the last five years. New York has a single victory against Dallas dating back to the 2016 season when the G-Men went 2-0.
New York’s results against the spread (ATS) aren’t much better, with a 3-9 record dating back to 2017. The NFL odds haven’t been their friend, and the Giants are falling way behind in this so-called “rivalry.”
Having said that, it’s important to know that the Giants had the best record against the NFL spread in 2022 at 14-5.
Cowboys vs Giants Offensive Comparison
Comparing these offenses from 2022 is like comparing apples and cinder blocks.
On one hand, the Cowboys finished the season fourth in points per game, fourth in touchdowns per game, and led the NFL in red zone scoring percentage (71.43%). Dallas also ranked in the top four regarding third and fourth-down conversions.
Meanwhile, the Giants struggled on offense last season compared to Dallas. New York finished with the 18th-ranked scoring offense averaging just 5.2 yards per play, and the 16th most touchdowns per game.
The New York football Giants also struggled to convert on 3rd (37.82%) and 4th downs (50%) despite ranking fifth in red zone scoring percentage (64.81%).
The only areas where the Giants did better than the Cowboys were penalties per game. While it’s nice not to lose yardage to needless penalties, the Giants must do much more than limit flags.
Cowboys vs Giants Defensive Comparison
The head-to-head stats between the Cowboys and Giants on defense tell a similar story to the offensive numbers.
The Cowboys’ defense was one of the best in the league and ranked sixth in points per game and fourth in opponent touchdowns. The Cowboys’ secondary is a tough group that allowed just 6.1 yards per pass to opponents. Their rushing defense is not as impressive, which could come into play against Saquon Barkley and the Giants’ ground game.
Meanwhile, the Giants were among the league-worst in rushing defense, with an average of 5.3 yards surrendered per attempt. Overall they allowed 359 yards per game and will have their hands full with a talented Cowboys offense in Week 1.
Fun facts about the Dallas Cowboys
- The Cowboys’ franchise was granted in 1960.
- Dallas has won five Super Bowls, which ties them for third place with the San Francisco 49ers.
- The Cowboys are the only team in NFL history to record 20 straight seasons above .500 (1966-1985).
Fun facts about the New York Giants
- The Giants are the second oldest franchise in the NFL, joining in 1925. The eldest is the Green Bay Packers.
- The Giants franchise was purchased for $500 by Tim Mara. As of 2020, the team was worth $4.3 billion.
- The Giants have the third most NFL Championships, with eight. During the pre-Super Bowl Era, New York won four before winning the Super Bowl four times (XXI, XXV, XLII, XLVI).
- The New York Giants had the best record against the NFL odds last season at 14-5 ATS.
