Sunday Night Football shines the spotlight on the opening of the Harbaugh Era in the Big Apple.
The New York Giants and new head coach John Harbaugh welcome the rival Dallas Cowboys to MetLife Stadium as slim home underdogs for SNF in Week 1.
My Cowboys vs. Giants predictions take an early glance at the side and total, giving some leans and NFL picks for this NFC East encounter on Sept. 13.
Cowboys vs Giants predictions
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Early Cowboys vs Giants spread pick: Cowboys moneyline
There’s a lot of work to do for this New York Giants team, given the overhaul in coaching heading into 2026.
That includes the defense, which has potential in the pass rush but a very soft secondary. If the Giants can’t create chaos and bother opposing QBs, this pass defense will be exposed.
The Dallas Cowboys are just the offense to do that. Dak Prescott has perhaps the best WR combo in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, threatening deep downfield and able to pick up gains after the catch on short passes.
If the Cowboys get up quick, the G-Men will be forced to abandon a run-centric, methodical game plan. That puts pressure on QB Jaxson Dart to make plays with his arm behind a spotty offensive line.
Dallas’ defense is under a new coordinator but cooked up the highest pressure rate in 2025. That includes four sacks on Dart in last season’s finale.
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Early Cowboys vs Giants total pick: Over 47.5
As mentioned, Dallas has a new DC in Christian Parker. His schemes looked good against preseason competition, but this will be his first time calling plays with regular-season stakes.
The Cowboys also have questions in the secondary, after bringing in a bunch of new faces in 2026, and it will take time for the pass defense to get up speed.
Dart had a solid finish versus Dallas last year, passing for 230 yards and two touchdowns in Week 17. That was without WR1 Malik Nabers, who is trending toward a Week 1 return after a knee injury in 2025. He dusted Dallas for 167 and two TDs in Week 1 last fall.
Given the firepower in the Cowboys offense and two shaky secondaries, I’m leaning toward a high-scoring finish on Sunday night.
Cowboys vs Giants odds
For help understanding Kalshi probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Cowboys vs Giants spread: Giants +2.5
- Cowboys vs Giants moneyline: Cowboys 59%, Giants 41%
- Cowboys vs Giants Over/Under: 47.5
How to watch Cowboys vs Giants
- Cowboys vs Giants matchup
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, 8:20 p.m. ET
- City: East Rutherford, N.J.
- Venue: MetLife Stadium
- TV: NBC
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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