Quarterback Jaxson Dart connected with wide receiver Isaiah Likely for a pair of touchdowns, helping the New York Giants secure a 28-20 triumph over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. The victory marked a promising start for the Giants, who also celebrated the debut of new head coach John Harbaugh on the sidelines.
Dart’s performance was efficient and versatile. He completed 23 of 29 pass attempts, amassing 230 yards through the air, and added another 54 yards on the ground, showcasing his dual-threat capability. Early in the game, Dart found running back Devin Singletary for a short gain that set up the first score.
Later, after a brief spell of momentum for the Cowboys, Dart delivered a perfectly timed pass to Likely, who hauled in the ball for his first touchdown of the season. Likely, who followed Harbaugh from Baltimore, was flawless in his New York debut, catching every target – eight receptions on eight targets – for a total of 78 yards.
The Giants’ offense was further bolstered by the return of their top receiver Malik Nabers, who came back from a torn ACL in his right knee after nearly a year of rehabilitation. Nabers contributed six catches for 69 yards, providing a reliable deep threat that kept the Cowboys’ secondary honest. In the backfield, Cam Skattebo made a memorable return after recovering from a broken right fibula and a dislocated ankle. He rushed for 81 yards on 18 carries, averaging just over four and a half yards per attempt.
Skattebo capped his comeback with a spectacular back‑flip celebration after sprinting into the end zone untouched for the Giants’ first points of the season, a moment that ignited the home crowd. Dallas, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm. Quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 175 yards, completing 22 of 34 attempts, and managed to connect for touchdowns with star wideout CeeDee Lamb and rookie running back Javonte Williams, who also found the end zone on the ground.
However, Prescott’s efforts were marred by a costly interception that shifted momentum in the Giants’ favor. The Cowboys were further hampered by discipline issues, committing eight penalties that cost them 85 yards and disrupted their defensive flow. Their defense, which had high expectations entering the season, appeared out of sync and was unable to contain the Giants’ balanced attack. Beyond the on‑field action, the game featured a poignant pre‑game ceremony honoring the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Harbaugh, visibly moved, paid his respects by wearing a New York Police Department cap during the first half and swapping to a Fire Department of New York cap for the second half, symbolizing the city’s unity and resilience. The tribute resonated with fans and players alike, underscoring the deep connection between the team and the community it represents.
Looking ahead, the NFL schedule is packed with marquee matchups that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports platforms. The Detroit Lions travel to Buffalo to face the Bills in a 1:15 a.m.
Friday kickoff, while the Minnesota Vikings clash with the Chicago Bears at 6:00 p.m. The Pittsburgh Steelers take on the New England Patriots at the same time, and the Jacksonville Jaguars meet the Denver Broncos later that night at 9:05 p.m.
The Washington Commanders will host the Dallas Cowboys at 9:25 p.m., followed by the Seattle Seahawks versus the Arizona Cardinals at the same hour on the streaming service Sky Sports+. The Indianapolis Colts travel to Kansas City to challenge the Chiefs at 1:20 a.m. Monday, and the New York Giants will head west to play the Los Angeles Rams at 1:15 a.m.
Tuesday. All of these contests, along with the full slate of playoffs and the Super Bowl LXI scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2027, will be available live on Sky Sports, with streaming options through NOW for contract‑free viewers. In summary, the Giants’ opening victory was a blend of strategic coaching, effective quarterback play, and the triumphant return of key players from injury. Their ability to execute in the red zone, limit turnovers, and capitalize on Dallas’ penalty woes set a solid foundation for the season.
As the team looks forward to upcoming challenges, the early signs suggest a cohesive unit capable of competing at a high level under Harbaugh’s leadership, while the league’s broader schedule promises plenty of excitement for fans worldwide.