Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants
The Dallas Cowboys travel to MetLife Stadium to face the New York Giants in the opening Sunday Night Football game of the 2026 NFL regular season.
It is a particularly important matchup for both franchises. Dallas enters with playoff ambitions behind Dak Prescott, while New York begins a new era under head coach John Harbaugh.
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants |
| Week | Week 1 — 2026 NFL Regular Season |
| Date | Sunday, September 13, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 8:20 PM ET |
| India Time | Monday, September 14 — 5:50 AM IST |
| Venue | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey |
| Home Team | New York Giants |
| Away Team | Dallas Cowboys |
| TV | NBC |
| Streaming | Peacock / NFL+ availability varies |
| Division | NFC East |
| Game | Sunday Night Football |
| Status | Scheduled |
The Giants’ official game information confirms the Week 1 matchup at MetLife Stadium, while NBC has confirmed the game as the 2026 Sunday Night Football season debut.
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas enters the 2026 season looking to return to the playoffs after a disappointing 7–9–1 record in 2025.
The Cowboys retain quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, while adding another major weapon in George Pickens.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer enters his second season in charge.
Key Cowboys Players
Dak Prescott — Quarterback
Prescott remains the centerpiece of the Cowboys offense.
He threw for 4,552 yards in 2025, giving Dallas one of the league’s most productive passing attacks.
Against the Giants, Prescott’s experience and ability to attack downfield could be decisive.
CeeDee Lamb — Wide Receiver
Lamb remains Dallas’ primary receiving weapon.
His route-running, yards-after-catch ability and chemistry with Prescott make him one of the most important players in the matchup.
The Giants’ secondary will have a major challenge containing him.
George Pickens — Wide Receiver
The addition of Pickens gives Dallas another explosive outside receiver.
His size and ability to win contested catches could prevent New York from simply concentrating its coverage on Lamb.
Jake Ferguson — Tight End
Ferguson provides Prescott with a reliable middle-of-the-field option and is especially valuable in the red zone.
Micah Parsons — Defensive Star
Parsons is no longer with Dallas, creating a significant change to the Cowboys’ defensive identity.
Dallas has instead invested in a new defensive structure under coordinator Christian Parker.
Caleb Downs — Safety
Rookie safety Caleb Downs has generated significant attention during training camp.
His versatility and football intelligence could allow Dallas to use him in multiple defensive roles.
New York Giants
The Giants begin one of the most anticipated new eras in recent franchise history.
Former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh takes over in New York, while quarterback Jaxson Dart enters his first full season as the team’s starting quarterback.
New York finished 4–13 in 2025 and will be looking for a dramatic turnaround.
Key Giants Players
Jaxson Dart — Quarterback
Dart is expected to start Week 1 for New York.
The young quarterback will immediately face a Cowboys defense looking to pressure him and force mistakes.
His mobility could also be an important part of the Giants’ offensive game plan.
Malik Nabers — Wide Receiver
Nabers is arguably the biggest offensive weapon on the Giants roster.
However, his Week 1 availability remains a major question after recovering from a torn ACL.
He has practiced during the offseason, but his final status is expected to receive considerable attention before kickoff.
Darnell Mooney — Wide Receiver
Mooney becomes particularly important if Nabers is limited or unavailable.
His speed can stretch the Dallas secondary vertically.
Brian Burns — Edge Rusher
Burns is one of the Giants’ most dangerous defensive players.
His ability to pressure Prescott could be the biggest defensive weapon New York has in this matchup.
Greg Newsome II — Cornerback
Newsome enters the matchup with a major assignment against Dallas’ receiver combination.
He is expected to play a prominent role against both CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.
Odell Beckham Jr. — Wide Receiver
One of the most interesting Giants storylines is the return of Odell Beckham Jr.
His presence adds experience and star power to New York’s receiving group.
2025 Season Comparison
| Category | Cowboys | Giants |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Record | 7–9–1 | 4–13 |
| Week 1 Location | Away | Home |
| Starting QB | Dak Prescott | Jaxson Dart |
| Head Coach | Brian Schottenheimer | John Harbaugh |
| Primary WR | CeeDee Lamb | Malik Nabers |
| Defensive Star | New-look defense | Brian Burns |
| 2026 Objective | Return to playoffs | Major rebuild/turnaround |
Dallas finished three games ahead of New York in the 2025 standings, but both teams enter 2026 with significant changes.
Key Matchups
Dak Prescott vs Giants Secondary
This could be the most important matchup of the game.
Dallas possesses one of the strongest passing combinations in the matchup, and Prescott will look to exploit New York’s secondary.
If the Giants cannot contain Lamb and Pickens, Dallas could produce points quickly.
CeeDee Lamb vs Greg Newsome II
Newsome has specifically embraced the challenge of facing Dallas’ receiver duo.
Lamb’s ability to create separation against press coverage could determine whether the Giants can consistently stop the Cowboys’ passing game.
Brian Burns vs Cowboys Offensive Line
Burns needs to create pressure without allowing Prescott to escape the pocket.
This matchup becomes even more important because Dallas has suffered an offensive-line setback with Tyler Smith being placed on injured reserve shortly before the season opener.
Jaxson Dart vs Cowboys Defense
This is Dart’s first major regular-season test against an NFC East rival.
Dallas will attempt to confuse him with coverage changes and pressure packages.
The Giants need to keep the game manageable and avoid putting Dart in repeated third-and-long situations.
Malik Nabers vs Dallas Secondary
If Nabers is cleared, his availability could dramatically change the matchup.
His speed and ability to create separation gives New York a potential game-changing weapon.
Major Storylines
1. The John Harbaugh Era Begins
This is the first regular-season game for Harbaugh as Giants head coach.
After spending 18 seasons as the Baltimore Ravens’ head coach, Harbaugh now takes over a Giants organization attempting to rebuild.
A division rivalry under the lights is about as difficult a debut as he could have received.
2. Jaxson Dart’s Big Test
Dart opens the season against one of the Giants’ biggest historical rivals.
The game will provide an early indication of how quickly he can operate in the Giants’ new offensive system.
3. Can Malik Nabers Play?
Nabers’ status is arguably New York’s biggest Week 1 personnel question.
If he plays at full strength, the Giants’ offense becomes considerably more dangerous.
If he cannot play, more pressure falls on Mooney, Beckham Jr. and the Giants’ tight ends.
4. Dallas’ Explosive Passing Attack
The combination of:
- Dak Prescott
- CeeDee Lamb
- George Pickens
- Jake Ferguson
gives Dallas significant passing-game firepower.
New York’s secondary will have to deal with multiple threats rather than simply focusing on Lamb.
5. Dallas’ Defensive Questions
The Cowboys conceded 511 points in 2025, highlighting one of the biggest areas they must improve.
The new defensive system under Christian Parker will be closely watched.
6. Dallas Loses Tyler Smith
Dallas placed starting offensive lineman Tyler Smith on injured reserve shortly before the season.
That creates an immediate concern against a Giants defensive front featuring Brian Burns.
Injury & Availability Watch
Dallas Cowboys
Tyler Smith — Out
Smith has been placed on injured reserve and will miss the opener.
His absence is significant because Dallas needs to protect Prescott against New York’s pass rush.
Other Cowboys
Dallas’ final inactive list should be checked before kickoff as several roster decisions can change during the week.
New York Giants
Malik Nabers — Questionable / Status to Monitor
Nabers is returning from a torn ACL.
He has practiced throughout the offseason, but the Giants have not treated his Week 1 availability as automatic.
Giants Wide Receiver Corps
New York also released longtime receiver Darius Slayton just six days before the season opener.
The Giants now enter Week 1 with a receiver group featuring Nabers, Darnell Mooney, Malachi Fields and Odell Beckham Jr.
Betting Outlook
Dallas enters as a narrow road favorite.
Current Market Snapshot
| Market | Approximate Line |
|---|---|
| Spread | Cowboys -2.5 to -3 |
| Giants | +2.5 to +3 |
| Total | Around 48 |
| Favorite | Dallas Cowboys |
| Location | MetLife Stadium |
Recent market reports have Dallas around -2.5 to -3, with the total around 48 points.
Betting Interpretation
The market is giving Dallas a modest edge rather than treating this as a mismatch.
That makes sense because:
- Dallas has the stronger passing attack.
- New York has home-field advantage.
- The Giants have a new coaching regime.
- Malik Nabers’ availability is uncertain.
- Dallas has offensive-line concerns.
- Both defenses have significant questions.
These lines are dynamic and can move before kickoff.
Our Prediction
Dallas Cowboys 27 — New York Giants 24
Estimated Win Probability
| Team | Estimated Chance |
|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys | 56% |
| New York Giants | 44% |
Why Dallas?
Dallas gets the narrow edge because of its passing-game advantage.
Prescott enters the matchup with significantly more NFL experience than Dart, and Lamb/Pickens give the Cowboys multiple explosive receiving options.
However, this should not be treated as an easy Dallas victory.
New York has:
- Home-field advantage
- Brian Burns
- John Harbaugh
- A potentially explosive quarterback in Dart
- Malik Nabers, if healthy
- Strong motivation to start the Harbaugh era with a win
A Giants upset is absolutely plausible.
What Dallas Must Do to Win
- Protect Dak Prescott
- Exploit the Giants secondary
- Get CeeDee Lamb involved early
- Use George Pickens vertically
- Pressure Jaxson Dart
- Limit Brian Burns’ impact
- Avoid turnovers
What New York Must Do to Win
- Protect Jaxson Dart
- Create pressure with Brian Burns
- Get Malik Nabers involved if available
- Force Dallas into long-yardage situations
- Limit CeeDee Lamb
- Create turnovers
- Use the home crowd to disrupt Dallas’ offense
Players to Watch
Dallas Cowboys
- Dak Prescott
- CeeDee Lamb
- George Pickens
- Jake Ferguson
- Caleb Downs
- Dallas defensive front
New York Giants
- Jaxson Dart
- Malik Nabers
- Brian Burns
- Darnell Mooney
- Greg Newsome II
- Odell Beckham Jr.
Head-to-Head History
The Cowboys and Giants have one of the NFL’s oldest divisional rivalries.
The series dates back to 1960, and Dallas currently leads the all-time regular-season series.
The Giants did, however, win the most recent meeting 34–17 on January 4, 2026, giving New York some recent momentum in the rivalry.
The Giants’ Week 1 record against Dallas has historically been poor. One recent report notes that New York is 1–10 against Dallas in Week 1, with the lone victory coming in 2016.
That makes the 2026 opener particularly interesting: the Giants have an opportunity to break that pattern while beginning the Harbaugh era at home.
How to Watch
United States
TV: NBC
Kickoff: 8:20 PM ET
Venue: MetLife Stadium
Game: Sunday Night Football
NBC’s 2026 schedule announcement confirms Cowboys-Giants as the Sunday Night Football season debut.
India
Kickoff: Approximately 5:50 AM IST on Monday, September 14
For viewers in India, this is an early-morning Monday game because of the Sunday-night kickoff in the United States.
United Kingdom
Kickoff: Approximately 1:20 AM BST on Monday, September 14
International availability can vary by country and broadcaster.
Why Watch Cowboys vs Giants?
This is one of the best games to watch during Week 1 because it combines:
- A historic NFC East rivalry
- Sunday Night Football
- John Harbaugh’s Giants debut
- Jaxson Dart’s regular-season spotlight
- Dak Prescott vs. a new Giants defense
- CeeDee Lamb vs. Greg Newsome II
- Brian Burns against Dallas’ offensive line
- Malik Nabers’ potential return
- Odell Beckham Jr.’s return to New York
The central question:
Can the new-look Giants turn MetLife Stadium into the perfect stage for the beginning of the John Harbaugh era?
Dallas has the more proven offense, but New York has enough defensive talent and home-field advantage to make this a genuine rivalry game.
Game Prediction Summary
| Category | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Winner | Dallas Cowboys |
| Projected Score | Cowboys 27, Giants 24 |
| Cowboys Win Probability | 56% |
| Giants Win Probability | 44% |
| Expected Game Type | Close NFC East rivalry |
| Key Player | Dak Prescott |
| Dallas X-Factor | CeeDee Lamb |
| Giants X-Factor | Brian Burns |
| Biggest Injury Question | Malik Nabers |
| Market Range | Cowboys -2.5 to -3 |
| Projected Total | Around 48 |
| Prediction Lean | Cowboys to win a close game |