The John Harbaugh era is set to kick off in spectacular fashion, as the New York Giants prepare to host their longtime NFC East rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, in a Sunday Night Football season opener on September 13. The game, scheduled for an 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff on NBC and Peacock, promises to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the 2026 NFL season.

This classic divisional showdown marks the eighth time in the last 15 seasons that these two storied franchises have faced off in a season-opening game. The last time they met in Week 1 was back in 2023, when the Cowboys delivered a dominant 40-0 victory at MetLife Stadium—a result that deflated the optimism surrounding the Giants after their playoff appearance the previous year.

However, the narrative has shifted dramatically. With the arrival of highly-successful head coach John Harbaugh, the "Optimism Train" is once again running at full speed in East Rutherford. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Harbaugh's leadership will transform this Giants squad, and this prime-time opener against a fierce division rival will provide an early litmus test for the team's potential.

As schedule leaks continue to trickle out ahead of the official release on Thursday night, all eyes will be on how many prime-time slots the Giants secure. With Harbaugh at the helm and a renewed sense of excitement around the team, New York's spotlight moments could be plentiful in 2026.