NFL Week 5: Giants vs. Cowboys odds, picks, & predictions

The winless New York Giants will travel to Dallas on Sunday to face the 1-3 Cowboys in an NFC East grudge match.

With every team in the division currently sitting at a losing record, this could be pivotal game to determine the division winner.

When will the Giants get a victory?

The Giants have struggled to start the year, as bad performances and injuries have set them back. Starting running back Saquon Barkley rushed for just six yards in the opener, and then was lost to a knee injury in the second game of the year. Quarterback Daniel Jones has struggled and has failed to throw a touchdown pass since a season-opening defeat.

The one glimmer of hope is that the Giants’ schedule has been tough. The four teams that have beaten New York have a combined record of 11-4. Only the 49ers don't have a winning record. The Giants also have lost by just one score in two of those contests, with the blowout loss to the Niners the only outlier.

The Giants defense has been solid, but until the offense does its part, it will be difficult for them to win.

With their next three games against division rivals, whose records are a combined 3-8-1, now is the time for the Giants to find a way to turn their season around.

The Cowboys haven’t been much better

The Cowboys were expected to be a playoff contender but have failed all expectations in the first quarter of the season. They have just one win in four games, and that came via an epic comeback (or epic collapse, depending on which side you’re on) over the Falcons in Week 2.

While two of their three losses have been by a touchdown or less, the Cowboys were hapless against the Browns on Sunday. They led 14-7 after one quarter, but allowed 34 unanswered points over the next two, then scored 24 in the final period to make the score look more respectable.

Turnovers continue to be an issue, as the Cowboys have suffered multiple fumbles at critical times.

The Cowboys lead the league in passing yardage per game, but their defense has allowed more points and the second-most plays of any team in the league. And injuries continue to pile up on the defensive side of the ball.

Until they find a way to slow down the opposition, Dak Prescott and company will only attempt to keep up.

Giants vs. Cowboys injury report

The Giants continue to be without wide receiver Sterling Shepard, who is on IR and cannot return until at least next weekend. Strong safety Jabrill Peppers missed last weekend’s game, but may return for this week’s action.

The Cowboys will be without starting center Joe Looney, who suffered an injury on the first play of the game on Sunday against Cleveland. They are also without right tackle La’el Collins, who has been lost for the season. Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie is expected to miss the game, but fellow corner Anthony Brown should be healthy, as they released Brandon Carr yesterday to make room for his return. Linebackers Leighton Vander Esch and Sean Lee will also miss the game Sunday.

Giants vs. Cowboys betting trends

The Giants have lost their last five games and have failed to cover in their last six contests against the Cowboys. However, they have covered in each of their last five games away from home. The total has gone Under in three of their four games this season.

Dallas has not fared much better, at just 1-5 ATS in their last six games, and has lost outright in seven of its last 10. The total has gone Over in four of their last five games and all but one of their last six games at home.

The biggest weakness for the Cowboys this season has been their inability to slow down opposing offensive attacks. Thankfully, they face a Giants team that is still trying to figure out how to play without Barkley. While it is possible Jones could use this opportunity to get on track, nothing this season has indicated that is likely.

Look for the Cowboys to finally get a lead, run the ball to take pressure off their defense, and prevent the Giants from ever having a chance.

Score prediction: Cowboys 31, Giants 17

Picks: Cowboys -9.5, Under 54