Cowboys vs Giants Week 15: history, weather, key players, and projection

The Dallas Cowboys head to MetLife Stadium this Sunday to take on the New York Giants in a matchup of teams going in drastically different directions. The Cowboys are coming off of a big win against division rival Washington, while the Giants are trudging along after being handed a loss by the Chargers.

The Cowboys come into this game at 9-4 with a chance to put a death grip on the division and a chance to clinch NFC East. The defense has hit their stride, but the offense has been a bit dysfunctional as of late.

The Giants are injury-riddled across the board and are likely entering an offseason filled with questions about their future. While they may be struggling, a matchup with the Cowboys always brings out the best amongst division rivals.

As we always do, I’ll provide some history and thoughts on the current teams, the weather for Sunday, a player on each team that could have the opportunity to make some noise, and end it with some gameplan thoughts and projections. I’ve got some thoughts on a game plan the Cowboys may follow that is a bit different than what we have seen or will want to see.

Emmitt Smith, Dallas Cowboys (PAUL BUCK/AFP via Getty Images)

Cowboys vs Giants: Matchup History

All-Time Record: 70-47-2 in favor of the Cowboys (1-0 playoff record in favor of the Giants)

Most Recent Result: Dallas 44, New York 20 on October 10, 2021

Meeting for the second time this year, the Cowboys are the clearly better team. As they have done in many seasons prior, they look to complete the sweep of the Giants, a feat they have accomplished in nearly half of the seasons in the last decade.

Earlier this year I dove into some history of the matchup and explored the ties between Bill Parcells, Jason Garrett, and Tony Romo getting his chance against the Giants. I revisited the game where Emmitt Smith dominated with a separated shoulder while also bringing back the pain of the 2007 playoffs.

Although it is the same season, this matchup looks different than it did just ten weeks ago. The Giants have parted ways with their offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. Let me just say that he got the short end of the stick there. Saquon Barkley was often hurt, Daniel Jones turns the ball over like it’s a hot potato, and he didn’t have much help. Garrett might not have been the best head coach, but he was always a top-tier guy.

The Giants will be starting back up quarterback Mike Glennon this Sunday with Daniel Jones out due to a neck injury. This team is limping to the finish line as they stare down questions regarding head coach Joe Judge and their future at the quarterback position.

All signs point to the Cowboys asserting dominance over a downtrodden team in a late-season game where we see that separation evident. That said, the NFC East is never as smooth as it appears, and any game on the road against a rival should be treated as such.