The NFC East has been one of the NFL’s weakest divisions, and its rivals meet this afternoon in a matchup devoid of playoff implications.
Dallas is playing strictly for pride in the final week of a lost season, while the Giants could still secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft with a loss and a Raiders win over the Chiefs.
The Giants are getting a bit more credit than they deserve after a big win in Week 17, and my Cowboys vs. Giants predictions and NFL picks call for the visiting team to cover the spread in a low-scoring matchup this afternoon.
Cowboys vs Giants prediction
Cowboys vs Giants Best bet: Under 49.5 (-105)
The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants are two of the NFL’s worst defenses, but I’m not taking the Over. The Cowboys have allowed the most points per game this season at 29.8, and the Giants have allowed the seventh-most points at 26.4.
The Giants are 10-6 to the Over, and the Cowboys are 11-4-1 to the Over. The Cowboys have finished with a Game Total Over 49.5 in five straight games. The Giants have hit the Game Total Over in eight of their last 10.
Despite the poor defense and propensity to hit the Over, I’m taking the Under. Dallas ranks fourth in scoring offense at 28.4 points per game, but New York is 21st at 21.7 points.
Thousand-yard receiver Wan’Dale Robinson and reliable tight end Theo Johnson will be out. Even against a porous Dallas defense, Jaxson Dart will have a tough time moving the ball with such limited options.
On the other side of the field, the Cowboys’ running backs are banged up, and the team could be down to third-stringer Jaydon Blue leading the backfield.
It’s unclear how much the starters will play for either team in this one, and it’s in the Giants’ best interest to lose. I won’t bet on a high-scoring matchup.
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Cowboys vs Giants same-game parlay
Dak Prescott is expected to start and "play extensively" on Sunday, according to ESPN's Todd Archer. Backup Joe Milton is also slated to get some run as the Cowboys close out the season. With a strong showing through the air, Prescott could become the first Dallas QB to lead the NFL in passing yards.
He and Dallas can do enough to earn a 4-point win against a Giants team that would be better off losing.
With Prescott slated to start and plans to bring in Milton at some point, I expect Dak and Co. to get it going right out of the gate with an early lead in the first quarter. I'll take the Boys to cover a small first-quarter spread.
Cowboys vs Giants SGP
- Under 49.5
- Cowboys -3.5
- Cowboys first quarter -1.5
Our big-ticket SGP: Cowboys cruise
Dak's day could be over at half, so expect him to come out firing, especially with the running game hobbled by injuries and a historic season within reach.
Prescott and the Cowboys are playing for pride here, and I expect them to build a comfortable lead going into the half.
Cowboys vs Giants SGP
- Under 49.5
- Cowboys -3.5
- Cowboys first quarter -1.5
- Cowboys first half -2.5
Cowboys vs Giants game predictions
Cowboys vs Giants moneyline prediction
Neither team is looking ahead to the postseason, but the stakes are higher for the Giants. With a loss, the G-Men can secure the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft, so Dallas has the edge here based purely on motivation.
Cowboys vs Giants spread prediction
Since 2017, the Cowboys are 12-5 ATS when facing the Giants. This has been a one-sided matchup for years, and Dallas is the healthier team heading into the final week of the season. I’ll take Dallas and the points.
Cowboys vs Giants Over/Under prediction
Take the Under here. Both teams have been terrible on defense, but the Giants are down several key options on offense, and Dallas is short on healthy running backs. I’m not expecting a ton of points.
Cowboys vs Giants odds
- Spread: Dallas -3.5 | New York +3.5
- Moneyline: Dallas -190 | New York +160
- Over/Under: Over 49.5 | Under 49.5
More NFL picks and odds from Covers
Cowboys vs Giants trend to know
The Cowboys have covered the spread in 12 of the last 17 matchups with the Giants. Find more NFL betting trends for Cowboys vs. Giants.
How to watch Cowboys vs Giants
| Location | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ |
| Date | Sunday, January 4, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
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