The 2026 NFL season is almost here and the Meadowlands is playing host to one of the week’s biggest matchups. On Sunday, Sept. 13, at 8:20 p.m., the New York Giants will be taking on the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium for the first Sunday Night Football match of the season. The two divisional rivals will go head-to-head, looking to kick the season off with a good start.
The game is flooded with entertaining storylines, which has elevated the game to primetime status. From the rivalry that has spanned over 6 decades to the debut of new Giants head coach John Harbaugh, who had previously spent 18 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, the game is sure to bring the excitement to the Meadowlands.
The matchup will also see the return of Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who earned a reputation as one of the team’s most iconic players of the 2010s. Drafted by the Giants in 2014, Beckham Jr. burst onto the scene, being named the season’s AP Offensive Rookie of the Year after recording 1,305 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns. After five memorable seasons, Beckham Jr. was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2019, though, his legacy with the team was not forgotten.
Earlier this year, Beckham Jr. rejoined his first team, to the delight of many Giants fans. Beckham Jr. earned a spot on the team’s 53-man roster and will now return to MetLife Stadium as a member of the Giants for the first time in over seven years. As the team makes its season debut, Beckham Jr. will be one of the most-heavily anticipated players to look out for.
On top of the return of an established veteran player, the Giants also have many young stars to look forward to watching this week. After a solid rookie campaign, quarterback Jaxson Dart has established himself as the Giants’ starter, looking to lead the team for the foreseeable future. Despite suffering season-ending injuries last year, young stars Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo are both looking to make an impact for the Giants this season. The Giants also added linebacker Arvell Reese and offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa in the 2026 NFL Draft, bolstering their squad with even more young talent.
The Giants have had significant struggles against the Cowboys, falling to them 9 times in their last 10 meetings, however, the Giants’ sole victory in that span came in their most recent game. The Giants easily took down the Cowboys by a score of 34-17 thanks to a solid performance from Jaxson Dart. With many new additions to the team and its coaching staff, the Giants are hoping to build off of the win from last season.
With tons of young stars in the Meadowlands, the region is in store for an entertaining season which kicks off this Sunday. The following week will mark the home opener for the Jets as they make their way to MetLife Stadium.
