Giants vs. Cowboys: Week 2 Rivalry Renewed

The New York Giants (0-1) and Dallas Cowboys (0-1) both enter Week 2 looking to rebound from opening-week stumbles. When the two NFC East rivals square off Sunday, Sept. 14 at AT&T Stadium, both teams will be seeking not only their first win but also a foothold in one of the NFL’s toughest divisions. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX.

This marks the 127th all-time meeting between the franchises. Dallas holds a commanding lead in the series (77-46-2 in the regular season), but the Giants boast the only postseason victory between the two. Their last meeting was on Thanksgiving Day 2024, a 27–10 Cowboys win.

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A Rivalry Built on High Stakes

The Giants have historically struggled in Dallas, owning just a 20-42-1 road record in the series. But the NFC East is notorious for swings of momentum. A victory on Sunday would both avenge last year’s loss and provide a jolt of confidence to Brian Daboll’s squad.

For the Giants, a road win could shift the season narrative and help balance out these historical figures:

• Overall Record: 724-664-34

• Record in September: 122-125-5

• NFC East Record: 177-109-4

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Giants Storylines

Offensive Line Woes

The Giants’ offensive front enters Week 2 under pressure. Tackle Andrew Thomas and lineman Evan Neal are inactive

NYG at DAL Week 2 Inactives

, leaving Daniel Jones vulnerable against one of the league’s fiercest pass rushes. Depth linemen will need to step up, and the play-calling must adapt to protect the quarterback through quick releases and heavy run support.

Roster Shifts and Depth Moves

The Giants placed LB Micah McFadden on injured reserve, thinning an already tested defense. To fill the gaps, they elevated DL Elijah Garcia, WR Ryan Flournoy, and cornerbacks Zion Childress and Robert Rochell

NYG at DAL Week 2 Inactives

. These moves speak to New York’s need for rotational depth in the trenches and secondary against Dallas’ versatile offense.

Quarterback Safety Net

Jameis Winston is designated as the emergency third quarterback

NYG at DAL Week 2 Inactives

. While Daniel Jones is the starter, the Giants recognize the need for insurance at the most important position.

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Cowboys Storylines

The Cowboys also sit at 0-1, desperate to avoid a slow start. Micah Parsons headlines a defense that thrives on chaos, while Dak Prescott leads an offense searching for rhythm. At home, Dallas will aim to dictate tempo and test New York’s patchwork offensive line early.

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Impact Matchups

Micah Parsons vs. Giants’ Backup Tackles

With Andrew Thomas and Evan Neal sidelined, the Giants must block Parsons with a combination of double teams, chips, and creative protections. If Parsons consistently breaks through, the Giants’ passing game could stall before it starts.

Giants WRs vs. Cowboys Secondary

The Giants’ receiving corps, led by Malik Nabers and the newly added Ryan Flournoy, face a Dallas secondary anchored by DaRon Bland. Separation on quick routes and yards after catch could be decisive.

Saquon Barkley vs. Dallas Run Defense

Barkley remains the offensive engine. Against a front that excels at penetration, patience and second-level blocking will be key. Expect the Giants to lean on Barkley both as a runner and a pass-catcher to slow down Dallas’ edge rush.

Dak Prescott vs. Giants’ Secondary

With Micah McFadden sidelined, the Giants’ linebacking corps is thinner, which could open up passing lanes over the middle. Prescott will look to exploit mismatches against safeties and young corners like Childress and Rochell.

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Projected Impact Players

• Giants: Saquon Barkley (RB), Kayvon Thibodeaux (EDGE), Malik Nabers (WR), Daniel Jones (QB)

• Cowboys: Micah Parsons (LB/EDGE), CeeDee Lamb (WR), Dak Prescott (QB), Tony Pollard (RB)

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Keys to the Game

1. Win the Trenches – Can the Giants’ makeshift line keep Jones upright long enough to move the ball?

2. Explosive Plays – With Parsons hunting, New York must create offense through quick-hitters and screens, while limiting CeeDee Lamb’s ability to flip the field.

3. Turnover Margin – Rivalry games often hinge on one or two mistakes. Protecting the ball is non-negotiable.

4. Special Teams Edge – Hidden yards in field position could determine momentum, especially if offenses struggle early.

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Game-Day Predictions

• Saquon Barkley tops 120 total yards as the Giants lean on him to carry the offense.

• Micah Parsons records two sacks against New York’s depleted offensive line.

• Malik Nabers breaks loose for his first career touchdown, giving the Giants a spark in the passing game.

• Kayvon Thibodeaux forces a turnover, applying pressure on Dak Prescott in key moments.

• The Cowboys’ defense makes a late stand, holding the Giants to a field goal attempt in the final minutes.

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Predicted Final Score

Cowboys 23, Giants 20

A hard-fought, physical battle comes down to the wire. The Giants show resilience and keep the game close despite key injuries, but the Cowboys’ defensive front proves just enough to protect home turf.