At lengthy final, it’s lastly over. Well, nearly over. The Cowboys’ 2025 season went from promising to discouraging to hopeful after which nightmarish. They’re out of the playoffs now and face a Giants group with no playoff hopes of their very own to spoil. All that’s left, as they are saying, is the shouting, and it has our writers unsure about what to anticipate.
When New York has the ball
Contain Jaxson Dart
It’s arduous to imagine, however the final time these groups met, Russell Wilson was the starter. He additionally had the sport of his life, and was benched the following week. Perhaps that ought to have been our first clue in regards to the state of this protection that’s all however ended the season.
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Jaxson Dart is the captain now, and he has a agency grip on the beginning job. Dart has flashed immense promise and, whereas not excellent, has helped put the Giants in place to win video games… proper earlier than his protection offers up the lead. Sound acquainted? Containing Dart and his capability to improvise exterior of the pocket is vital to limiting his effectiveness.
When Dallas has the ball
Find out about these rookies
As talked about, the Giants protection has been unhealthy. Not fairly as unhealthy because the Cowboys, however unhealthy sufficient for interim head coach Mike Kafka to fireside his defensive coordinator and title an interim coordinator. The worst half has been their run protection, the place they rank useless final in yards per carry, yards earlier than contact per carry, runs of 10+ yards, and EPA/rush.
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The Cowboys can be with out each Javonte Williams and Malik Davis, and we’ll possible see intensive enjoying time for rookies Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, the latter of whom can be making his NFL debut. This must be proving floor for the 2 children earlier than heading into the offseason.
Now onto the predictions out of your BTB writers…
Tom Ryle (8-7-1):
I feel the will to get to .500 will inspire them sufficient to get the win.
Cowboys 27, Giants 23.
Mike Poland (8-7-1):
Final sport of the season, right here we go! The Giants have their sights set on that first or second decide of the draft so profitable actually does them no favors right here. Cowboys are trying for momentum going into subsequent season and end with out a dropping report. Dak is ready to start out, how lengthy he performs for is one other query.
Dallas win 31-17.
Matt Holleran (7-8-1):
Ultimately it could be higher if the Cowboys misplaced this sport, however the Giants are such a talent-poor group I don’t see that occuring. Even if Dak Prescott and the remainder of Dallas’ stars solely play 1 / 4 or so, the backups nonetheless ought to have the ability to beat the Giants.
Give me the Cowboys, 26-17.
Jess Haynie (7-8-1):
The Giants look like as dedicated to worsening their draft place because the Cowboys are. With residence subject and Dallas’ protection nonetheless in disarray, New York will get the upset.
Giants 30, Cowboys 24.
David Howman (8-7-1):
The Cowboys say they’re enjoying to win, however in addition they simply put each Javonte Williams and Malik Davis on IR to make room for their rookie duo. Dak Prescott will begin the sport, however it doesn’t appear to be Dallas is essentially pushing all their chips into the middle on this one, nor ought to they.
My guess is Brian Schottenheimer is enjoying this one to get his guys some bonuses, nevertheless that will look. In Prescott’s case, securing his passing yards crown is the purpose; he at the moment leads Matthew Stafford by a mere 34 yards. So I see Schottenheimer dialing up loads of deep pictures and simple button throws to create far, particularly realizing his protection will give loads of motive to maintain airing it out and making an attempt to attain.
Cowboys win 38-35.