The Cowboys have had a smooth offseason, but will that translate into something tangible in Week 1?
The Dallas Cowboys know they will travel to MetLife Stadium to face the New York Giants to kick off their 2026 season. ... and we know they are now set - early as it is - at 2.5-point favorites on the road.
For so long, the Cowboys and Giants have been the first game for both franchises, and you can make the case that this next clash is set up in a way where we could get some fireworks.
Given the offseason changes for the Giants, with John Harbaugh now taking the lead role for the franchise, coupled with the offseason additions, New York will be feeling pretty good about itself.
But don't discount Brian Schottenheimer's Cowboys, who will likely boast an elite offense, and what many hope will be a vastly improved defense under Christian Parker.
As is the case with most divisional contests, form goes out the window, and in Week 1, even more so.
But which team is poised to make a statement straight out of the gate?
For ESPN's Dan Graziano, he's picked Dallas.
"The Cowboys are probably in a better position to make a statement in Week 1 because I just don't know at this point whether Malik Nabers will be back, Cam Skattebo, he's coming off a major injury," Graziano said on GetUp.
"Of course, you have the new coach there and a program that we all have high hopes for, but may need some time to get up to speed."
So, Dallas might be getting the Giants at the "right" time, before things settle down in the Harbaugh era.
With so many unknowns over the Giants' injured stars in Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers, if both play, then the Cowboys will have their work cut out.
Not to mention an early test of how well Dallas defends the run, because one thing we know about Harbaugh in Baltimore was that he loved to run the football.
So, Parker's new-look defense could get a stern test right out of the gate at MetLife Stadium.
Now, it won't be the end of the world for whichever team loses, and in truth, even the victor likely won't see their stock increase that much either.
But starting the year in winning fashion after a long offseason, and in the Cowboys' case, with optimism that Parker's defense can turn things around, will be good for the belief within the organization.
So, no "statements" will likely be made, but the Cowboys can get the good vibes flowing early against their division rivals, who think they might deserve a seat at the big-boy table in 2026.