Quarterback Jaxson Dart orchestrated a two‑touchdown connection with wide receiver Isaiah Likely as the New York Giants secured a 28‑20 triumph over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, marking a victorious start to the campaign and the inaugural game for head coach John Harbaugh. Dart’s performance was efficient and versatile: he completed 23 of 29 attempts for 230 passing yards and added 54 rushing yards on the ground. His first touchdown pass found the hands of Isaiah Likely, who was targeted on every one of his eight receptions, finishing the night with 78 yards and two scores in his New York debut after following Harbaugh from Baltimore. The Giants’ offense also featured a key contribution from running back Devin Singletary, who caught a short pass from Dart for a third touchdown.
In addition, Cam Skattebo made a memorable return from a serious leg injury, rushing for 81 yards on 18 carries and capping his effort with a signature back‑flip celebration after scoring the Giants’ opening touchdown of the season. Skattebo’s comeback was especially poignant because he had previously broken his right fibula and dislocated his right ankle, making his performance a testament to resilience and determination.
Veteran wideout Malik Nabers, who was making his first appearance since suffering a torn ACL in his right knee nearly a year earlier, contributed six receptions for 69 yards, providing a reliable deep threat that helped stretch the Cowboys’ defense. The Giants’ balanced attack—mixing the aerial precision of Dart and Likely with the ground‑game power of Singletary and Skattebo—proved too much for Dallas. On the opposing side, Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 175 yards, completing 22 of 34 attempts. He found his top 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—and a defense that struggled to contain the Giants’ multi‑dimensional offense in the opening weeks of the season. The game also featured a solemn pre‑game ceremony honoring the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Harbaugh paid his respects on the sidelines, first wearing a New York Police Department cap during the first half and then switching to a Fire Department of New York cap for the second half, symbolizing the city’s unity and remembrance.
Beyond the action on the field, the broadcast schedule for the week’s NFL slate was highlighted, with several marquee matchups slated for live coverage on Sky Sports platforms. The Detroit Lions faced the Buffalo Bills at 1:15 a.m.
Friday morning, while the Minnesota Vikings took on the Chicago Bears at 6 p.m. that same evening.
Later, the Pittsburgh Steelers clashed with the New England Patriots at 6 p.m., and the Jacksonville Jaguars visited the Denver Broncos at 9:05 p.m., all airing on Sky Sports NFL and the Main Event channel. Additional primetime games included the Washington Commanders versus the Dallas Cowboys at 9:25 p.m., the Seattle Seahawks against the Arizona Cardinals at 9:25 p.m. (available via Sky Sports+ streaming), and the Indianapolis Colts meeting the Kansas City Chiefs at 1:20 a.m.
Monday morning. The Giants themselves are slated to travel to Los Angeles to face the Rams at 1:15 a.m.
Tuesday, a game that will also be streamed live on Sky Sports NFL and the Main Event channel. Fans looking forward to the rest of the 2026 NFL season can expect comprehensive coverage from Sky Sports, which promises live broadcasts of every regular‑season game, the entire playoff run, and the Super Bowl LXI scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2027.
Subscribers have the option to watch via traditional cable packages or to stream the action contract‑free through the NOW platform, ensuring that viewers can follow the Giants and the rest of the league wherever they are. Overall, the Giants’ opening victory showcased a blend of veteran poise, youthful exuberance, and strategic coaching that bodes well for their aspirations this year. Harbaugh’s immediate impact was evident not only in the tactical adjustments but also in the emotional resonance of the 9/11 tribute, underscoring the team’s commitment to both on‑field success and community values.
As the season progresses, New York will look to build on this momentum, hoping that the chemistry displayed between Dart, Likely, and the rest of the offense can translate into sustained success against the league’s toughest opponents.