Cowboys vs. Giants prediction, odds, time: 2026 NFL Week 1 'Sunday Night Football' picks from proven model — SkimNews
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- John Harbaugh makes his New York Giants head-coaching debut on Sunday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys, opening the 2026 NFL schedule for both teams.
- The Giants finished 2025 at 4-13 (fourth in the NFC East) with a new coaching staff, while the Cowboys went 7-9-1 (second in the division); Dallas hasn't reached the postseason in three seasons and New York hasn't since 2022.
- Wide receiver Malik Nabers is a game-time decision due to a knee injury.
- Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., with Dallas a 3-point favorite and the over/under at 47.5.
- SportsLine's model, which simulates every game 10,000 times and is 53-37 on top-rated picks since 2024, leans Over and projects 55 combined points.
- Dak Prescott is projected for over 265 yards and two touchdowns while Giants rookie Jaxson Dart is projected for over 230 yards and two scores.
- Dallas averaged 27.7 points per game last season (7th overall); defensively New York ranked 28th (25.8 ppg allowed) and Dallas ranked 30th (30.1 ppg allowed), framing the matchup as a potential shootout.
Why it matters: Both franchises enter Year 1 of a new chapter — Dallas chasing its first playoff berth in three seasons as a road favorite, while New York opens a new era under Harbaugh coming off a 4-13 finish. The model's 55-point projection reflects the league's 28th- and 30th-ranked scoring defenses meeting offenses with something to prove, making this a Week 1 statement game for two NFC East rebuilds.
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