Giants-Cowboys SNF: Least Exciting Matchup?

The Week 1 Sunday Night Football opener between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys has been ranked surprisingly low, coming in 12th out of 17 games by Pro Football Focus. This assessment comes despite the excitement surrounding new head coach John Harbaugh.

A primary reason cited for the low ranking is the lopsided recent history, with Dallas winning 16 of the last 18 games since 2017. While the Giants did secure a victory last season, it has been a long time since these matchups held significant meaning beyond pride.

The Giants' offensive potential is highlighted, with quarterback Jaxson Dart expected to improve under offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and quarterbacks coach Brian Callahan. He is supported by new additions like tight end Isaiah Likely and receivers Malachi Fields, Darnell Mooney, and Calvin Austin, joining returning players.

Defensively, the Giants face the monumental task of replacing departed defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence. Though his production dipped in 2025, he remains a top interior lineman. The team is implementing a committee approach, with veteran DJ Reader projected at nose guard, supported by several other veterans and young players on a new aggressive defense.

Ultimately, the ranking suggests that even with these roster moves, the Giants-Cowboys game may not offer the same level of excitement as other matchups on the schedule. The Bills-Texans game was highlighted as a more compelling Week 1 Sunday night contest.