The New York Giants have not won a Week 1 home game since MetLife Stadium opened in 2010. They will look to end that drought against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, while the opener also marks a new start under head coach John Harbaugh.

Second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart enters the season after a promising rookie campaign, while the Giants remain home underdogs. Here are three key matchups that could shape the Cowboys vs. Giants regular-season game.

1. Giants secondary vs. WR CeeDee Lamb and WR George Pickens

Giants cornerback Greg Newsome II enters his first season with the team confident in its secondary, calling the cornerback room the best in the NFL. That confidence will get an immediate test against Dallas Cowboys wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.

Giants cornerbacks Newsome, Adebo, Banks, and Phillips will be responsible for limiting the two receivers. According to Kevin Hickey of Giants Wire, Lamb recorded 1,077 yards last season despite dealing with a shoulder injury, while Pickens had a career year with 1,429 yards.

2. Defensive lineman Quinnen Williams vs. Giants interior offensive line

Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Quinnen Williams presents another major challenge for the Giants, this time in the middle of the line. Failing to contain him would put pressure on Matt Nagy’s offense and leave Dart dealing with pressure from the interior.

New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. enters the final year of his rookie contract after the team selected him No. 58 overall in 2023.

He has yet to prove that he deserves a new deal, and his first test comes immediately against Williams. Dart has plenty of mobility, but the Giants would prefer to keep him from having to run for his life.

3. WR Malik Nabers vs. CB DaRon Bland

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers appears primed to return Sunday night after a torn ACL ended his 2025 season in Week 4.

His return could also give the team a chance to see more of his connection with Dart, something they have not fully seen since the quarterback entered the league. Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland could have his hands full in the passing game.

Bland allowed 12.4 yards per reception and a 109.5 passer rating in coverage during the 2025 season, per Pro Football Focus. Nabers may have some rust in his first game back, but his talent gives him a chance to make a splash at any moment.

The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants will have little room for mistakes in the season opener. With both teams looking to start the 2026 season on a strong note, these key battles could help set the tone at MetLife Stadium. 

Written by

Divyanshi Raj