The New York Giants kick off their 2026 season against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, and this NFC East rivalry matchup carries significant intrigue. With Tyler Smith ruled out for Dallas, the Giants’ pass rush has a golden opportunity, and the offensive game plan should revolve around controlling the clock. Let’s dig in on three predictions for how this game unfolds and some specific props worth watching.

Before the predictions…

Now that we know Smith is out, the Cowboys could struggle to slow down the Giants’ pass rush. Abdul Carter and Brian Burns already present matchup nightmares for the Dallas tackles, and losing one of the best guards in the league only compounds that problem. Whether it’s Kayvon Thibodeaux or Arvell Reese attacking the replacement, New York should be able to generate pressure on third downs.

The run defense is a different story. Even without Smith, the Giants’ interior defensive line remains a potential liability. Giants linebackers Reese and Edmonds will need to step up in a massive way to bottle up Javonte Williams and keep Dallas from controlling the ground game.

Enough small talk, time for the predictions.

1. RB Cam Skattebo goes over 50 rushing yards

The biggest key to victory for the Giants is running the football and slowing the game down. That sentiment has been echoed across the Giants media landscape, and it makes perfect sense: keep the Cowboys’ offense off the field and let your offense be your best defense.

Skattebo showed flashes during his brief preseason exposure against the Minnesota Vikings. He got the ball frequently and generated a solid push. The Cowboys’ edge defenders don’t appear capable of shutting down this rushing attack if the Giants run outside. And Skadaboo doesn’t seem like a pure rotation back. With Tyrone Tracy’s inconsistent play and Najee Harris being so new to the system, New York should feed Skattebo early and often. One breakout run could set the tone for the entire game.

2. TE Isaiah Likely has breakout first game

This one feels like a complete no-brainer. Likely is going to need to be a significant part of this offense all season, and Week 1 should be no different. Malik Nabers is expected to play, but he might not be at full speed, so the Giants will likely need Likely to fill a premier role in the passing game.

The receiver situation adds another layer. With Darius Slayton gone and only four receivers on the roster, Braxton Berrios potentially coming back does nothing to inspire confidence. Likely’s role as an extra receiver in this offense feels cemented, and he should be Jackson Dart’s go-to option when plays break down and a primary target in the scheme. Five-plus catches should be well within reach, and 50 receiving yards feels like the floor.

3. The game goes over 47.5 total points

I’m going to be blunt here because I get tired of Giants fans expecting you to just sit and blindly praise the team every time you talk about them. It’s annoying, and you have to be realistic.

This is a really difficult matchup for a really weird Giants corner room. Is Deonte Banks as good as we’re hoping? Is Greg Newsome going to be an above-average starter? Paulson Adebo being dropped in the pecking order is obviously a concern. The Giants are going to give up big plays through the air. Even if they do a solid job slowing down Williams, there will be moments when CeeDee Lamb or George Pickens break free for a long touchdown. It happened last year, and it’ll happen again.

On the other side, the Giants’ offense should be able to put points up regardless of the outcome. There will be things to be negative about, but positive momentum should emerge on offense. For both teams to score in the 20s and for this game to land around 28-20 feels well within the realm of possibility. The line seems set with the expectation that this will be a sluggish affair, and I see the furthest thing from that happening for both teams.