The NFL is wasting no time delivering a marquee showdown to kick off the 2026 season. The Dallas Cowboys will travel to face the New York Giants in the first Sunday night game of the year on September 13, as announced by the league on Monday. This NFC East rivalry clash will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, marking the eighth time in the last 15 seasons these two historic franchises have opened the season against each other.
For football fans, this matchup is a prime-time goldmine. The Cowboys, often dubbed "America's Team," consistently draw massive national audiences, while the Giants are set to debut a new era under Super Bowl-winning head coach John Harbaugh. Quarterback Jaxson Dart, coming off an eventful rookie campaign, is expected to lead New York's offense, adding fresh intrigue to this storied rivalry.
If both signal-callers are healthy, this game will also mark the first meaningful showdown between Dart and Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. While the two faced off in the regular-season finale last January, both teams were already eliminated from playoff contention, making this Week 1 clash carry much higher stakes.
Beyond the quarterback battle, fans should keep an eye on two former Ohio State teammates making their NFL debuts. Giants linebacker Arvell Reese, selected with the fifth overall pick, and Cowboys safety Caleb Downs, drafted at No. 11, could see their first professional action in this high-pressure environment.
This announcement also confirms that neither Dallas nor New York will be the visitor for the league's opening Wednesday night game on September 9, when the defending champion Seattle Seahawks raise their Super Bowl banner. The remaining candidates for that slot include Chicago, Arizona, Kansas City, the Los Angeles Chargers, or a title-game rematch against New England.
Whether you're a Cowboys fan dreaming of a fast start or a Giants supporter eager to see Harbaugh's new system in action, this Week 1 Sunday night showdown promises to deliver drama, passion, and a glimpse of what the 2026 season has in store. Get ready to gear up—football is almost here!