The regular season is just a few days away, and the Dallas Cowboys-New York Giants should give fans plenty to watch in the opener. Both teams finished the preseason 2-1, but the real test begins on Sunday night at MetLife Stadium.

Dallas is coming off back-to-back seven-win seasons and will try to get back into the playoff picture under second-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer. New York, meanwhile, is starting a new era with John Harbaugh, who won two Super Bowls with the Baltimore Ravens.

Nick Eatman of DallasCowboys.com recently highlighted five Cowboys storylines heading into the matchup.

The Giants have a young quarterback making his first Week 1 start, while Dak Prescott is set to take the field for the 11th straight season as Dallas' starting quarterback.

Here are five Cowboys storylines to watch when the two teams meet.

How will Dallas handle Tyler Smith's absence?

The Cowboys made it through the offseason, training camp and preseason without a major injury to a starter. That changed this week when Tyler Smith suffered a thumb injury that requires surgery.

The All-Pro left guard is expected to miss four to six weeks, as reported by Nick Eatman of DallasCowboys.com on September 8. T.J. Bass will take over at left guard after making 10 career starts for Dallas, including five last season.

Is Jerry Jones really preparing for another move?

When the Cowboys cleared nearly $20 million in salary cap space last week, trade speculation quickly followed. Jerry Jones said the restructures involving DaRon Bland, Jake Ferguson and Kenny Clark were partly about creating flexibility for next season.

Still, Jones acknowledged that Dallas has room to make a move if the right opportunity comes along. He also said a defensive player would likely be the target.

Can Christian Parker's defense make an immediate impact?

The Cowboys expect to be better defensively under first-year coordinator Christian Parker. His scheme has generated excitement among the players, while Dallas also added plenty of talent to the unit.

Caleb Downs, Rashan Gary, Cobie Durant, Jalen Thompson, Dee Winters and Von Miller headline the additions. The Giants will provide the first real test of how quickly the new-look defense can come together.

Can Dak Prescott keep the Cowboys' offense rolling?

Prescott had one of the best seasons of his career in 2025 despite the Cowboys' defensive struggles. He led the NFL with 402 completions and threw for 4,552 yards, the second-highest total of his career.

Dallas also returns most of its offensive pieces. Javonte Williams is in the backfield, while CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens give Prescott two dangerous targets on the outside.

Will George Pickens deliver another big performance?

Pickens had a career year in 2025, but the Cowboys and wide receiver couldn't reach an agreement on a long-term contract. Dallas ultimately kept him with the franchise tag.

Jerry Jones has been impressed with Pickens' work during training camp and believes his future in Dallas could extend beyond this season.

"George has had a top camp. He's been everything we've asked him to be," Jones said. "I'm excited about what he brings to the table for us, not only for the early part of the first game, but I'm excited about what he's got a chance to do for us this year and the coming years. I emphasize that: coming years."

If Pickens can carry that form into Week 1, Prescott will have another big weapon to lean on as Dallas opens the season against New York.

Written by

Evince Das