The Giants host the Cowboys in an NFC East showdown that looks much different than the game we would’ve envisioned at the season’s start. New York is off to a surprising 2-0 start, having taken down the Panthers and Titans in consecutive weeks. The G-men have won with stout defense and a solid run game from tailback Saquon Barkley.

Barkley has rushed for 236 yards through two games while the defense is holding opponents to just 18 points per game. Both of their games have come down to the wire, with the Giants holding on for close wins in each.

The Cowboys, however, enter at 1-1 and are dealing with a major change in the backfield. Quarterback Dak Prescott went down with a hand injury in a Week 1 loss to the Bucs, but reserve Cooper Rush filled in admirably in the team’s second game. The passer threw for 235 yards and a score in a 20-17 upset of the Bengals.

Dallas hopes for a repeat performance in Week 3 as two hated rivals duke it out.

New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys
Date and Time: Monday, September 26, 2022, at 8:15 PM EST
Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
TV Coverage: ESPN/ABC

BetMaker previews the upcoming matchup and gives its prediction for Monday night.

New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys NFL Picks

The Giants and Cowboys enter in relatively similar spots to start the 2022 season. Dallas saw a setback under center but overcame the loss of Dak Prescott in last week’s big win over Cincy. We’ll likely see Cooper Rush at quarterback through at least Week 4, and possibly longer, but last week’s performance was certainly encouraging for the Cowboys.

Through two games, Dallas’s offense is averaging just over 300 yards per game while the defense has held foes to 18 points per contest.

New York’s defense boasts an identical mark in opponent PPG, while the offense has fared a bit better averaging 352 yards an outing. On offense, a balanced attack has guided the Giants to two wins, with Saquon Barkley experiencing a huge bounce-back season. The rusher has posted a mark of 118 yards per game while also having reeled in nine receptions.

Daniel Jones has done well not to turn the ball over, and so long as he avoids the big mistake, the Giants should be able to stay in most every game this year.

NFL Week 3 Betting Odds

Find all updated NFL betting odds at BetRivers sportsbook.

New York Giants: -1
Dallas Cowboys: +1
Over/Under: 39

Odds Analysis

The Giants enter as the slightest of home favorites with the line sitting at -1 in favor of New York. Dallas comes in as the underdog at +1, with money line odds of -103. The point total currently sits at 39 points.

The Giants have posted a perfect 2-0 record both straight up and against the spread, while the under has hit in both G-men games. Dallas, meanwhile, is 1-1 ATS after getting blown out by Tampa Bay in Week 1 and pulling an upset last Sunday. The under is also 2-0 for the Cowboys, which is why we see the low 39-point total set at sportsbooks.

Dallas has owned the series of late, winning nine of the last 10 games and posting an 8-2 mark ATS. That includes a 4-1 mark both straight up and ATS in the last five meetings in MetLife Stadium. The over/under is 5-5 over the last 10 matchups.

New York Giants

Kadarius Toney, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Azeez Ojulari are all listed as questionable for the Giants.

Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott will not play for Dallas, while Michael Gallup and Micah Parsons are listed as questionable.

New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys NFL Free Pick

I can’t believe I’m saying it but we’re backing the Giants to start the season 3-0 after another big win. While Dallas has been stout on defense, they struggled to contain Tampa Bay running back Leonard Fournette in Week 1 (127 yds). Barkley should be able to find some room to run on Sunday.

With the questions at quarterback for Dallas, and ground and pound approach from the Giants, I’m expecting a low-scoring slugfest, which is just what the G-men want. Look for New York to move the ball in the run game while Daniel Jones does just enough to keep the defense honest.

The Pick: NEW YORK GIANTS (-1)