Cowboys Vs Giants: Writer Predictions For Opening Week

The Dallas Cowboys are back! And, of course, it’s another start to the season where the Cowboys roll into MetLife Stadium to take on the New York Giants. The Giants have many questions heading into the 2026 season with a whole new coaching staff after a season where they managed to win only four games. Let’s break it down then get to some predictions. 

When New York has the ball

Expect the Giants to make the running game the starting point of their new offense. John Harbaugh has brought in coaches with a history of building physical rushing attacks, while fullback Patrick Ricard and first-round offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa were added to help them play that way. Cam Skattebo gives them a powerful runner, but quarterback Jaxson Dart is just as important. Dart rushed for 487 yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie, so Dallas cannot simply chase the running back and forget about the quarterback.

The biggest opportunity for New York comes when Dallas starts worrying too much about the run. The Cowboys allowed 4,735 passing yards and 31 passing touchdowns last season, and Dart finished the year by completing 22 of 32 passes for 230 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in a 34-17 win over Dallas.

If Malik Nabers is cleared to play following his ACL recovery, his matchup against the Dallas secondary becomes even more important, although his Week 1 availability remains uncertain. The Giants’ route to victory is to keep Dallas guessing with the running game and Skattebo, use Dart as a runner, then attack downfield when the Cowboys bring extra defenders toward the line.

When Dallas has the ball

Dallas should make New York prove immediately that its run defense has improved. The Giants surrendered 2,470 rushing yards last season, while Javonte Williams ran for 1,201 yards and scored 11 rushing touchdowns for Dallas. Running the football also has another benefit this week because the Cowboys will be without All-Pro guard Tyler Smith following thumb surgery. T.J. Bass will replace him, so giving the offensive line manageable situations rather than asking it to pass protect on every play makes sense. 

That becomes even more important because New York can rush the passer. Brian Burns produced 16.5 sacks last season and the Giants recorded 48 as a team, with Abdul Carter another dangerous player coming off the edge. Dallas should counter that with quick throws, play-action and plenty of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.

If Dallas can establish Williams early, it becomes much harder for Burns and Carter to attack Prescott without worrying about the run. From there, the Cowboys have the receiving talent to challenge a Giants secondary that allowed 3,908 passing yards last season. The current MetLife forecast is warm and humid rather than showing signs of severe weather, so conditions should not prevent Dallas from attacking through the air if Prescott’s protection holds up. 

Now onto the predictions from your BTB writers…

Tom Ryle (0-0)

Ugh. Week 1 predictions are such a shot in the dark. But I’m expecting the Cowboys to be a little more reserved with Tyler Smith out, and I think the defensive improvements show up. DAL 27 NYG 19

Brandon Loree (0-0)

The Cowboys are favored in this game, and rightfully so. History alone suggests Dallas has a high probability of winning. However, the Christian Parker-led new-look defense could be the thing that makes or breaks the night.

The one area of the New York Giants offense the Cowboys need to be prepared for is Jaxson Dart and his scrambling ability. According to NFL Pro, Dart had 18 explosive runs in 2025, tied with Patrick Mahomes for most in the league, and a 61.6% rushing success rate, the highest among QBs with at least 35 carries last season.

The Cowboys have struggled in this area for multiple seasons. If they remain disciplined and put a lid on it, the defense could have a dominant night. At the end of the day, Dallas is the better and more prepared team on paper and should lead to a strong 28-17 win in New Jersey.

Dyllan Rivers (0-0)

Even with Tyler Smith out, the Giants just don’t have the horses to keep up with the high-powered Cowboys offense. Give me the Cowboys 34-17

Matt Holleran (0-0)

While optimism is high about Dallas’ new-look defense, it may take some time for Christian Parker’s unit to settle in. New York’s offense will not be an easy test in Week 1, and I see Dallas struggling to slow down the Giants’ offense. The connection of Prescott and Lamb keeps Dallas in the game, but a costly turnover in the fourth quarter seals the Cowboys fate. Give me New York, 26-23.

Mike Poland (0-0)

The Cowboys have played the Giants 13 times to open the season, and the Cowboys are 11-2 in those games. Add in that Dak is 14-3 against Giants all time, and the historical trend shows this game tilts heavily toward Dallas. Cowboys win this 27-20.