Count ESPN NFL reporter Dan Graziano among those unsurprised that the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants will play in Week 1.
In fact, not only will the Giants host the Cowboys, but they’ll do so on NBC’s “Sunday Night Football.”
Speaking on ESPN’s “Get Up” on Monday morning, Graziano quipped that he did not have his “shocked face” ready for the news, noting that NBC “loves” airing the Giants-Cowboys rivalry in prime time.
“The Cowboys are probably in better position to make a statement Week 1,” Graziano said.
Graziano pointed out that even the Giants are likely unclear whether several key offensive players, including Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo, will play in the Sept. 13 opener.
Nabers is recovering from ACL surgery, and the Giants have not confirmed whether he will be ready for training camp.
The same is true for Skattebo, who dislocated his ankle, fractured his tibia, and ruptured his deltoid ligament last October.
Nabers would obviously return to the starting lineup, while Skattebo would likely resume sharing carries with Tyrone Tracy Jr. Veteran running back Devin “Motor” Singletary is also on the roster.
“And of course, you have a new head coach there,” Graziano said, “and a program that I think we all have high hopes for, but may need some time to get up to speed.”
At least John Harbaugh will have some familiar friends, having brought over several players — including tight end Isaiah Likely and punter Jordan Stout — and 14 assistant coaches from the Ravens.
As of publication, the NFL had not announced the rest of the Giants’ 2026 schedule. The NFL will officially release its schedule on Thursday night.
We’ll see what tricks the Giants have up their sleeve, as the NFL schedule release has stunningly become a yearly viral trend. Last year’s video, “Meet the Schedule: Team Island Edition,” featured players in a “villa” theme while introducing each game.
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