EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants opened their 2026 season on a high note Sunday night, defeating the division-rival Dallas Cowboys 28-20 at MetLife Stadium behind an impressive performance from quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Dart looked composed from the opening drive, completing 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. He also made an impact with his legs, rushing for 56 yards on 11 carries as New York controlled the football for more than 36 minutes.
The Giants struck first midway through the opening quarter when running back Cam Skattebo capped off a scoring drive with a three-yard touchdown run. Dallas responded in the second quarter as Dak Prescott connected with CeeDee Lamb for a one-yard touchdown to even the game at seven.
New York regained momentum just before halftime. After Jevon Holland intercepted Prescott, Dart and the Giants took advantage of the turnover. Dart found tight end Isaiah Likely for a 15-yard touchdown with just 25 seconds remaining, sending New York into the locker room with a 14-7 advantage.
The Dart-Likely connection continued in the second half.
Following a methodical 12-play, 74-yard possession that took more than eight minutes off the clock, Dart found Likely again, this time for a two-yard touchdown that extended the Giants’ lead to 21-7.
Dallas refused to go quietly. Javonte Williams punched in a one-yard rushing touchdown late in the third quarter to cut the deficit to seven.
New York answered again in the fourth. Dart delivered his third touchdown pass of the night on a nine-yard completion to Devin Singletary, giving the Giants a 28-14 advantage with just over seven minutes remaining.
Prescott responded by finding Williams for a 17-yard touchdown, pulling Dallas within eight at 28-20. The Cowboys were unable to complete the comeback, however, as New York’s offense kept possession for the remainder of the game and Dart took three consecutive kneel-downs to seal the victory.
Likely emerged as Dart’s favorite target, finishing with eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Malik Nabers added six catches for 69 yards, while Skattebo led the rushing attack with 81 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.
Prescott finished 22-of-34 for 175 yards, two touchdowns and an interception for Dallas. Lamb was held to 44 receiving yards on five catches, while the Giants limited the Cowboys to just 244 total yards.
New York finished with 396 yards of offense and controlled the game on the ground, rushing 37 times while possessing the ball for 36:40.
For a Giants team looking to take another step forward in 2026, Sunday night’s performance provided an encouraging start. Dart delivered an efficient three-touchdown performance, New York established its running game and the defense kept one of its biggest division rivals under control.
The Giants leave Week 1 at 1-0, while the Cowboys begin the season 0-1.