Cowboys-Giants opener puts new coaching era under the spotlight

The New York Giants are scheduled to open the 2026 NFL season against the Dallas Cowboys in Sunday Night Football at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on 13 September. Kick-off is set for 8:20 p.m. ET.

The game will mark John Harbaugh’s coaching debut with New York, which is entering the season after a 4-13 campaign and a fourth-place finish in the NFC East in 2025. The Giants have not reached the playoffs since 2022.

Dallas finished second in the division last season with a 7-9-1 record and is seeking its first postseason appearance in three seasons. The Cowboys are listed as three-point favourites, according to CBS Sports.

SportsLine’s 10,000-game simulation projects more than 47.5 total points, with 55 combined points forecast. The model also projects more than 265 passing yards and two touchdowns for Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott, while New York quarterback Jaxson Dart is projected for more than 230 passing yards and two touchdowns.

Giants receiver Malik Nabers remains a game-time decision because of a knee issue. The teams’ defensive records provide context for the scoring projection: New York allowed 25.8 points per game in 2025, while Dallas conceded 30.1. The projections remain estimates, and the result, final score and player statistics are yet to be determined.