New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys: Week 1 Prediction

Nov 23, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) stretches for pass in the end zone during the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Dallas Cowboys defeat the New York Giants 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

One of the great rivalries in the NFL. The New York Giants hope to steal the thunder of the Dallas Cowboys on opening day. Do the predictions favor them?

Injury News

Jason Pierre-Paul could be out longer than expected

Most of the injury news will be center on the Giants. Sitting atop the pile is the situation with defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. Many hoped he would be able to return from his unfortunate fireworks accident that mangled his hand sooner than expected, but New York has since learned their star pass rusher suffered a worse injury than first believed. The feeling of late is that he might miss the entire season.

Victor Cruz and Jon Beason not likely to play

If that weren’t enough, two other key pieces to their roster were also declared out. Wide receiver Victor Cruz still hasn’t recovered from a lingering calf problem while linebacker Jon Beason tries to work his way back from another knee issue.

Key Matchups

Ereck Flowers vs. Randy Gregory

Rookie on rookie battles don’t happen too often in the NFL, at least not with such a high degree of important. As Greg Hardy prepares to serve his four-game suspension, the duties at right defensive end should fall to 2nd round pick Randy Gregory. He’ll be going against 1st round pick Ereck Flowers, standing in for the injured Will Beatty. Both are being thrown into the fire early. Whomever handles it better will determine a lot.

Dez Bryant vs. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

To control the Cowboys offense means to control wide receiver Dez Bryant. He is the catalyst to their success. New York knows this better than anybody and it’s why they’ve invested time, money and draft picks at the corner position. It’s likely they will line up veteran Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie on Bryant given his solid mix of size and athleticism. Whether that’s enough will be the story.

X-Factors

Jason Witten against Giants safeties

The Giants have been constantly searching from the start of the off-season through the preseason for help at safety. Though they seem to have the depth chart finally set, it’s a totally new starting lineup with rookie Landon Collins and former 5th round pick Cooper Taylor on the back end. They’ll have to contend with All-Pro tight end Jason Witten over the middle. A tall order if ever there was one.

Odell Beckham Jr. against Cowboys corners

At the same time, Dallas faces a crisis in the secondary as well. Top cornerback Orlando Scandrick is out for the year, forcing rookie Byron Jones into the starting lineup. He’ll have to help contain Giants breakout star Odell Beckham Jr., who victimized them for 146 yards and two touchdowns in their last meeting.

Prediction: Cowboys win 30-21

In the end health will be the determining factor in this game. New York has so many key players banged up including their best pass rusher. Tony Romo shouldn’t feel too much pressure and be able to execute his offense enough to pull away late for the win.

Next: NFL Power Rankings: Top Starting Quarterbacks 1-32

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