NFL Rivalries 2017: Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants

Most fan bases hate the Cowboys, but the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys have a true NFL Rivalry. Who holds the edge this season? NFL rivalries 2017.

As the 2017 NFL season is almost here, let’s keep looking in on the best and most heated rivalries around the league. There are some of these rivalries that are more alive then ever. Others are ready to come back to life. Then, of course, there are the few that haven’t been a rivalry in some time for one reason or another.

Next up is the NFC East hatred between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants. These teams aren’t just division rivals, but longtime enemies on the gridiron. Is this the strongest NFL Rivalry going?

Two brothers from New York, Dan Salem and Todd Salem, discuss NFL Rivalries 2017 in today’s NFL Sports Debate.

Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants

The NFC East classic between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants is a thing of legend. These two teams have been playing since the 1960’s. Though other members of the East probably claim one of these teams as their individual rival, the Cowboys and Giants wouldn’t say the same about them.

Let’s hit up the rivalry questionnaire.

1. Is this still a rivalry?

Todd Salem: Yes, and it’s probably growing after some down years there. Dallas and New York are both playoff and possibly championship contenders. They both won double-digit games last year, with the Giants actually ruining Dallas’ chance at a historic regular season. They both enter this year with a division title in mind, plus more.

Dan Salem: This is not only a rivalry, but one of the best in the NFL in 2017. Two playoff teams from a season ago are thinking championship or bust, but each must overcome the other in order to hold bragging rights and obtain top seeding. The Cowboys are many other teams’ rival, but Dallas certainly counts New York as its own rival. The Giants also have few rivalries outside of the Cowboys. Add in America’s Team and the best football team in New York, and this is a tremendous NFL rivalry with league-wide appeal.

Some matchups just mean more, and Cowboys versus Giants is one of them. The Eagles and Redskins do not get to participate in this conversation. New York and Dallas own the NFC East in terms of titles and excitement. The Giants have owned the Cowboys of late, but luck was on their side. Both teams have major star players who aren’t going anywhere. Only a battle in the playoffs could make this rivalry better.

2. Which side of this pairing would you rather be on?

Todd Salem: This is the toughest pairing we’ve had for this question. The Giants would be an excellent answer. They have young stars all over their roster, an elite defense, and a young head coach. The main difference between these two clubs (other than the outlook of the defenses) is at quarterback. While Eli Manning is heading into his twilight for New York, the Cowboys have arguably the best young quarterback in the sport. That shifts the tide for me. A young star quarterback is the most peerless asset in sports.

Dan Salem: I commend you for setting aside rooting interest when evaluating this rivalry. Many many people, yourself included, do not care for the Dallas Cowboys. But from a distance, this has to be about the starting quarterback. Eli Manning is a proven winner, yet has always been frustrating to root for and follow. Dak Prescott is a proven winner who simply has to prove he can maintain it. He is infinitely more exciting right now, making the Cowboys a better bandwagon to join.

The problem here is with the history. Dallas has a history of coming up short, especially over the last fifteen years. Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott will ideally maintain their dominance, but neither has proven anything in the playoffs yet. Manning and Odell Beckham have proven themselves. I find the Giants and Beckham more fun to watch and root for. I just don’t want to follow a team who is looking for a quarterback in two years. I’m on the Giants side for 2017, but with the Cowboys long term. Fans get to choose. I’m picking both.

3. What should we expect from this matchup in 2017?

Todd Salem: This rivalry kicks off in Week 1 with Dallas hosting New York on Sunday Night Football. The two sides won’t play again until Week 14. Though the Giants swept the matchup last season, that seems unlikely to happen again. Both games last season also came down to the wire. With two talented rosters, the cop-out but likely answer is that we see a season split. If either side was able to sweep, that team would be the favorite to win the NFC East division title.

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Dan Salem: These two teams are once again evenly matched. New York took both games last season, to the surprise of nearly everyone. I think Dallas and the Giants are even more on par in 2017, and New York’s passing game will be too much for the Cowboys defense. Whose weakness is greater? The Giants running game, or the Dallas secondary? I believe New York wins the season series once again.

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