Every NFL team steps onto the field in Week 1 with a clean slate and a reason to believe. For the Dallas Cowboys, that hope is especially bright as they prepare to open the 2026 season against a familiar rival.

After back-to-back seasons without a playoff appearance, the Cowboys are looking to turn the page. Last year, Dallas fielded a top-10 scoring offense but struggled mightily on defense, surrendering the most points in the league. That defensive unit will face an immediate test in Week 1 against an opponent that has also made significant improvements during the offseason.

The Cowboys will travel to MetLife Stadium to face the New York Giants on "Sunday Night Football." Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 13. This marks the 12th time these two NFC East rivals have met in Week 1, adding another chapter to one of the league's most storied divisional rivalries.

For Cowboys fans, the season opener represents a fresh start and a chance to prove that last year's defensive struggles are a thing of the past. With key offseason moves across the league—including trades involving players like Tytus Howard, Trent McDuffie, David Montgomery, and DJ Moore—the NFL landscape has shifted, and Dallas is eager to show they're ready to compete.

Whether you're gearing up for game day or just excited to see the Cowboys back in action, Week 1 promises all the drama and excitement that makes NFL football unforgettable.