Quarterback Jaxson Dart connected with wide receiver Isaiah Likely for a pair of touchdowns, propelling the New York Giants to a 28‑20 triumph over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. The victory marked a promising start for the Giants, who opened their campaign under the fresh leadership of head coach John Harbaugh, making his inaugural appearance at the helm.
Dart’s performance was efficient and versatile. He completed 23 of 29 pass attempts, amassing 230 yards through the air while also contributing 54 rushing yards on the ground. Early in the game, he found running back Devin Singletary for a short scoring strike, and later, in the second half, he delivered another touchdown pass to Singletary, showcasing his ability to distribute the ball to multiple playmakers.
In the Giants’ first game back from injury, running back Cam Skattebo added a rushing touchdown, further underscoring the depth of the team’s offensive options. Likely, who arrived in New York after following Harbaugh from Baltimore, made an immediate impact.
He was targeted on every one of his eight receptions, catching all eight for a total of 78 yards. His flawless catch rate and reliable hands gave the Giants a dependable option in the middle of the field, especially in critical third‑down situations. Meanwhile, the team’s top receiver, Malik Nabers, returned to action after nearly a year of rehabilitation for a torn ACL in his right knee. Nabers recorded six catches for 69 yards, proving that his recovery had restored much of his pre‑injury form.
Skattebo’s story was a narrative of resilience. After suffering a broken right fibula and a dislocated right ankle in the previous season, he made a successful comeback, rushing for 81 yards on 18 carries.
His first touchdown run culminated in his trademark back‑flip celebration, a moment that energized the home crowd and highlighted the Giants’ renewed confidence. The back‑flip, performed after he crossed the goal line untouched, became one of the most replayed highlights of the night.
On the opposing side, Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 175 yards, completing 22 of 34 attempts. He found his primary targets, CeeDee Lamb and Javonte Williams, for touchdowns, and Williams also added a rushing score. However, the Cowboys were hampered by a series of costly penalties—eight infractions that cost them 85 yards in total. Those mistakes, combined with a defense that struggled to find its rhythm in the opening week, allowed the Giants to maintain a lead and ultimately secure the win.
The game also featured a solemn pre‑game ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Harbaugh honored the victims and first responders by wearing an NYPD cap during the first half and switching to an FDNY hat for the second, a symbolic gesture that resonated with the fans and underscored the community’s shared remembrance. Beyond the matchup itself, the broadcast schedule for the week featured a slate of NFL contests on Sky Sports.
The Detroit Lions faced the Buffalo Bills in a late‑night kickoff at 1:15 a.m. on Friday, while the Minnesota Vikings took on the Chicago Bears at 6 p.m. The Pittsburgh Steelers clashed with the New England Patriots at the same time, and the Jacksonville Jaguars traveled to Denver to meet the Broncos at 9:05 p.m. Later that night, the Washington Commanders visited the Dallas Cowboys, and the Seattle Seahawks played the Arizona Cardinals, both games beginning at 9:25 p.m.
The Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs met in a midnight‑plus‑hour showdown at 1:20 a.m. on Monday, followed by the New York Giants’ own road game against the Los Angeles Rams at 1:15 a.m. on Tuesday. All of these contests were available live on Sky Sports NFL, Sky Sports Main Event, and the streaming platform NOW.
Looking ahead, the Giants’ opening victory sets a positive tone for the rest of the 2026 season. Harbaugh’s immediate impact, combined with the health returns of key players like Nabers and Skattebo, suggests that New York could be a formidable contender in the NFC East. Their balanced attack—mixing a strong passing game led by Dart and Likely with a revitalized rushing corps—offers flexibility against a variety of defensive schemes.
Fans can anticipate a full slate of games as the season progresses, culminating in the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI, scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2027. Sky Sports will continue to provide comprehensive coverage, including every minute of postseason action, ensuring that viewers can follow their favorite teams from the opening kickoff through the championship game. Whether through traditional cable or the contract‑free streaming option via NOW, the league’s most important moments will be accessible to a global audience, preserving the excitement and drama that define American football.