Giants Roll Past Cowboys in First Game of John Harbaugh Era

Written By Justin Carlucci | Published at September 14, 2026

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) walks off the field following a 28-20 victory during a week one opening game between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in East Rutherford, NJ.

The New York Giants' odds of winning the NFC East just got shorter after a huge victory in John Harbaugh's debut. They looked organized, aggressive and—maybe most importantly—comfortable in a 28-20 Sunday Night Football win over the Dallas Cowboys.

New York scored in every quarter at MetLife Stadium during an NFC East victory that felt far more convincing than a one-score final might suggest. Jaxson Dart completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. The Giants converted nine of their first 10 third-down chances, with the final kneel-down accounting for the lone miss.

Giants Defeat Cowboys Behind Big Likely Game

Isaiah Likely was the star of the night in his first game with the Giants. The new tight end tallied 78 yards and two touchdowns, quickly becoming Dart’s most reliable option.

Cam Skattebo added 81 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Malik Nabers—who entered the night as a legitimate game-time question—was healthy enough to lead New York with nine targets. That is a lot of positive offense for one opening night, especially from a team deploying new systems under Harbaugh, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.

It looked polished and operational. That is not always a guarantee in Week 1, particularly after a coaching overhaul.

Dallas, meanwhile, will have to regroup after a sluggish offensive performance. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer acknowledged after the loss that the team did not play to its capability, while New York’s offense repeatedly moved the chains and controlled the game.

Giants Face Tough Week 2 Test

The Giants now travel west to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2. Early NFL odds list the Rams as 7-point favorites, setting up an immediate test for Dart and a New York offense that came out of the gate flying. Dallas returns home to face the Washington Commanders as 3.5-point favorites, with an early total of 50.5. Find the best price for Week 2 action at the top sports betting sites.