The Dallas Cowboys are facing a challenging Thanksgiving matchup that could lead to a historic embarrassment. With a current record of 4-7, the Cowboys are set to take on their NFC East rivals, the struggling 2-7 New York Giants, this Thursday. Traditionally, this game has been a highlight of the NFL season, but this year, the stakes feel lower than ever.
Thanksgiving Traditions at Risk
The late-afternoon Thanksgiving game featuring the Cowboys has long been one of the most-watched regular-season contests in the NFL. However, this year, that trend is in jeopardy. The Cowboys-Giants matchup is shaping up to be one of the least appealing in recent memory. With both teams struggling, fans might find it hard to muster excitement for this clash.
Dallas enters the game with its worst record at this point in the season since 2020. The Giants, meanwhile, are coming off a disheartening 30-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, marking their sixth consecutive defeat. Both teams are not only battling for pride but also for a semblance of hope as they look to salvage their seasons.
Viewership Trends Shift
In recent years, the Cowboys have been a powerhouse in terms of viewership, often leading the league in television ratings. However, this year, they have lost that title to the two-time defending Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs have captivated audiences with their dynamic play, leaving the Cowboys to fight for attention.
Adding to the Cowboys’ woes, the 10-1 Detroit Lions are emerging as a strong contender for the Super Bowl this season. They will play in the early-afternoon Thanksgiving game against the Chicago Bears, potentially drawing a larger television audience than the Cowboys in their later matchup. This would mark the first time since the 2007 season that a daytime Thanksgiving game could outshine the Cowboys’ traditional slot.
Injuries and Uncertainty
Injuries have plagued the Cowboys this season, further complicating their efforts to turn things around. Star quarterback Dak Prescott is out for the season due to a hamstring injury, leaving the team to rely on backup quarterbacks. This Thanksgiving, fans will witness a matchup between Cooper Rush and Tommy DeVito, neither of whom has had a stellar season. DeVito, in particular, has struggled, recording just 189 yards with no touchdowns and four sacks in his latest outing.
The Cowboys have made the playoffs in four of the last six seasons, maintaining their status as one of the league’s most popular franchises. However, their current situation is a stark contrast to their recent successes. Fans are left wondering if the team can rally together and find a way to win, even with the odds stacked against them.
Historical Context
The last time the Cowboys faced the Giants on Thanksgiving was in 2022, where they emerged victorious with a score of 28-20. That game featured two teams with a 7-3 record, both of whom went on to win playoff games. It drew an impressive average of 42 million viewers, making it the NFL’s most-watched regular-season game. Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape has dramatically changed.
Both teams have lost their starting quarterbacks—one due to injury and the other released from the roster. This Thanksgiving matchup lacks the star power and excitement that fans have come to expect. Instead, they will have to settle for a less glamorous showdown, raising questions about the future of these franchises.
The Giants’ Struggles
While the Cowboys are grappling with their own issues, the Giants have been in a downward spiral. They have made the playoffs only twice in the last 11 years, and their current six-game losing streak has left fans disheartened. The Giants last faced the Cowboys on Thanksgiving in 2022, but this year feels different. With both teams struggling, the rivalry has lost some of its luster.
As the Cowboys and Giants prepare to clash, the excitement surrounding this historic matchup is noticeably diminished. Can the Cowboys find a way to reclaim their Thanksgiving glory, or will the Giants take advantage of the opportunity to turn their season around?
Looking Ahead
As the game approaches, fans are left with more questions than answers. Will the Cowboys be able to rise above their challenges and deliver a performance worthy of Thanksgiving? Or will the Giants seize the moment and break their losing streak?
This Thanksgiving, the NFL landscape is shifting, and the traditional matchup between the Cowboys and Giants is emblematic of that change. With both teams struggling, the spotlight may not shine as brightly as it once did. However, in the world of football, anything can happen, and fans will be watching closely to see how this storied rivalry unfolds.
In the end, while the Cowboys may be facing a tough season, their passionate fan base remains hopeful. The Thanksgiving game may not have the same allure this year, but the heart of the NFL lies in its unpredictability and the love of the game.
