Jaxson Dart connected with 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 strong opening for the Giants and also served as the first game for head coach John Harbaugh, who stepped onto the sidelines after a successful tenure in Baltimore. Dart displayed a balanced attack, completing 23 of 29 pass attempts for 230 yards through the air. In addition to his passing production, he added 54 rushing yards, showing his dual‑threat capability.
Early in the contest, Dart found running back Devin Singletary in the red zone for a short touchdown that helped establish the Giants’ early lead. Later, Cam Skattebo, returning from a season‑ending injury, capped his first carry of the year with a one‑yard rush into the end zone, celebrating with his trademark back‑flip as the ball crossed the plane. Isaiah Likely, a recent acquisition from Baltimore, made an immediate impact in his New York debut. He was targeted on every pass he received – eight times – and caught each one for a total of 78 yards, including the two scoring receptions that proved decisive.
The seamless chemistry between Harbaugh and Likely was evident, underscoring the continuity the coach sought to bring from his former franchise. Veteran wideout Malik Nabers also returned to the field after nearly a year of rehabilitation following a torn ACL in his right knee.
Nabers contributed six receptions for 69 yards, providing a reliable deep‑field option and helping stretch the Cowboys’ secondary. Skattebo’s comeback story added an extra layer of drama. The former backup had suffered a broken right fibula and a dislocated ankle in the previous season, injuries that many thought would sideline him for an extended period.
Yet, on his first snap back, he amassed 81 yards on 18 carries, averaging just over four and a half yards per attempt. His touchdown run was the first points of the season for the Giants, and his celebratory flip sparked cheers from the home crowd. On the Dallas side, quarterback Dak Prescott managed 22 completions on 34 attempts for 175 yards.
He threw an interception that halted a promising drive, but he also linked up with star receiver CeeDee Lamb for a touchdown pass and found running back Javonte Williams for a short score. Williams added a rushing touchdown of his own, keeping the Cowboys within striking distance throughout the game.
Discipline proved to be a decisive factor. The Cowboys were penalized eight times, costing them a total of 85 yards.
Those mistakes, combined with a defense that struggled to contain the Giants’ balanced offense, allowed New York to maintain momentum and ultimately secure the win. The pre‑game ceremony honored the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Harbaugh participated in the tribute, initially wearing a New York Police Department cap during the first half and then swapping to a Fire Department of New York hat for the second half, symbolizing the city’s resilience and unity. Beyond the headline matchup, the broadcast schedule highlighted a slate of upcoming NFL contests slated for Sky Sports channels.
The Detroit Lions travel to Buffalo to face the Bills in a pre‑dawn kickoff at 1:15 a.m. on Friday, while the Minnesota Vikings clash with the Chicago Bears at 6 p.m. later that evening.
The Pittsburgh Steelers take on the New England Patriots at 6 p.m. on the same night, and the Jacksonville Jaguars visit the Denver Broncos for a 9:05 p.m. showdown. Later in the evening, the Washington Commanders meet the Dallas Cowboys at 9:25 p.m., followed by a Seattle Seahawks‑Arizona Cardinals game at the same hour, both airing on Sky Sports Football.
The Indianapolis Colts travel to Kansas City for a 1:20 a.m. Monday‑morning contest, and the New York Giants themselves head west to Los Angeles to face the Rams at 1:15 a.m. Tuesday morning, both matches broadcast on Sky Sports NFL and the Main Event channel.
Fans can look forward to the 2026 NFL season being available live on Sky Sports, with every regular‑season game, playoff matchup, and the championship Super Bowl LXI slated for Sunday, February 14, 2027. Subscribers may also opt for a contract‑free streaming experience through the NOW platform, ensuring that the excitement of professional football remains accessible to a global audience. Overall, the Giants’ opening victory not only set a positive tone for John Harbaugh’s inaugural campaign but also demonstrated the team’s depth, resilience, and ability to integrate new talent while honoring the city’s heritage.
The combination of effective quarterback play, a revitalized receiving corps, and a determined ground game suggests that New York could be a formidable contender as the season unfolds.