FRISCO, Texas -- Finally, the NFL regular season has returned.
The Cowboys open their 2026 campaign on Sunday night against the New York Giants to kickoff the second season of the Brian Schottenheimer era. With a new-look defense headed by defensive coordinator Christian Parker, Dallas is looking to build off of their 7-9-1 finish a season ago.
On the other sideline, John Harbaugh is looking to bring the Giants back to the pinnacle of the sport after 18 seasons leading the Baltimore Ravens. In his first game, he'll get an early chance to introduce himself to the NFC East.
Here are our staff's predictions for the Cowboys' season opener:
Patrik: At first glance, this is yet one of many season openers wherein the Cowboys and the Giants square off in their usual early division matchup. Look again though, because both teams have undergone sweeping changes — Dallas' defense and the entire coaching regime of Big Blue as John Harbaugh takes the helm. I expect the absence of Tyler Smith will test TJ Bass and the entire front five against a very good Giants front seven, but their secondary is in for a very long day if Dak Prescott has time to get them the ball. And something tells me Christian Parker's defensive front (especially Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark) will bottle up Cam Skattebo and the rushing attack, forcing Jaxson Dart to play hero ball and, in the process, toss a couple INTs that sway a close game in Dallas' favor. 27-24, Cowboys
Josh: The first game of the season hinges on the performance of one Tyler Guyton. Looking at the Giants' front 7 is intimidating, especially with names like Reese, Burns, Carter, Thibodeaux… *shudders* If Guyton has indeed made the improvements the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff and front office have proclaimed time and time again this offseason, you should be cautiously optimistic about him going into this game. However, this is all in theory. It is hard to judge without evidence, the Rams joint practice notwithstanding. If Dak Prescott's blind side stays clean, you can expect a W. 31-21, Cowboys.
Nick: Finally ... I've been waiting to get to this point for so long. This offseason felt longer than most but we're finally done with that and we can talk about a real football game. For some reason, nothing that has happened in the last few months, weeks or even days has changed my thought about this. Call me old-fashioned, but I need to see things change before I adapt completely. That being said, the Giants can get a proven new coach, add more talent on defense and have a new attitude all together - and the Cowboys can suffer some key injuries on offense ... and I still think Dallas is that much better.
I see the Cowboys' offense still being too strong for the Giants - especially if they can run the ball. That's the biggest key for me in this game. If Javonte Williams can run the ball and keep the Cowboys out of third-and-long situations, I think the offense will continue to score. I've got the Dallas defense playing well, but the Giants will have to keep up and the game will open up. Give me an interception by Jalen Thompson, a touchdown from Ryan Flournoy and a 50+ yard return by Turpin. Dallas wins a game that isn't as close as the score - Cowboys 31, Giants 23.
Tommy: At long last, talking season is over and it's time to get back onto the gridiron again. These are the same two franchises that faced each other in Week 18 to close out the season, but have become very different teams over the course of the 252 days between when the Giants defeated Dallas 34-17 in January. From the Cowboys' defensive overhaul to an entire staff and culture change for New York, both sides are looking for a strong start to important seasons.
I think this will be a close game. You come to expect that from John Harbaugh coached teams, even if it's his first game with his new organization. The Giants have a deep front seven on defense and veteran corners that will throw some challenges at the Cowboys' high powered offense. I'm not sure they have enough to stop Dallas' firepower, though. Defensively, I think you could see some growth moments as Christian Parker's unit begins to gel together, but they should be much improved from a season ago and face a young quarterback in Jaxson Dart that they could confuse with some post-snap looks. I see Dallas starting the year on the right foot in a close one. Cowboys, 21-20.
No. 0 – DeMarvion Overshown, LB - Enters his fourth year and is expected to be the starting inside locker room, wearing the "green dot" to make the calls for Christian Parker's defense.
No. 1 – P.J. Locke, Safety - Signed over from the Broncos in free agency, Locke not only has experience playing in Christian Parker's scheme but provides depth at safety and special teams.
No. 2 – Cobie Durant, CB - After four years with the Rams, Durant signed with the Cowboys in free agency and is expected to play a vital role at cornerback, playing both on the outside and in the slot.
No. 3– George Pickens, WR - Coming off a career year in which he finished third in the NFL in receiving yards with 1,452, Pickens is playing on the franchise tag of $27.2 million and is seeking a long-term contract at the end of the season that would make him one of the league's highest-paid offensive players.
No. 4 – Dak Prescott, QB - It's season 11 for Dak, who began his career as a Week 1 starter against the Giants – something he'll do once again Sunday night. Prescott is the Cowboys' all-time leader in completions, attempts, passing yards and needs just five TD passes to tie Tony Romo as the leader in that category.
No. 5 – Bryan Anger, Punter - He entered training camp as the Cowboys' most experienced player as he begins his 15th NFL season. He's now second on the list with the arrival of Von Miller (16th season) but Anger is a key member of the special teams, not only as the punter but the holder for kicker Brandon Aubrey.
No. 6– Donovan Ezeiruaku, OLB - After switching to No. 6 in the offseason, Ezeiruaku is one of the players the Cowboys are counting on to provide outside pressure off the edge.
No. 7 – Rashan Gary, OLB - Acquired this offseason in a trade with the Packers, Gary figured to be the team's most experienced pass-rusher before the signing of Von Miller. Still, Gary has been a consistent rusher in his career, with at least 7.5 sacks in four of the last five years.
No. 9 – KaVontae Turpin, WR/KR - One of the NFL's most dangerous kick returns, Turpin has made three Pro Bowls as a return specialist during his four seasons in the NFL. But he's also becoming a valuable receiving threat, evident by his 86-yard touchdown catch against Washington last season.
No. 11– Elijah Clark, Safety - The second-year safety recently switched into No. 11 after wearing No. 38 for his rookie season. Clark figures to add both depth at safety and on special teams.
No. 13– Caleb Downs, Safety - After so much talk and debate on what number Downs would eventually get, he ended up staying in No. 13 – a good thing for so many of the fans who have already purchased Downs' jersey. Most importantly, the Cowboys are hoping Downs "puts a number" on his opponents and lives up to the hype as one of the best rookies of this class.
No. 14– Markquese Bell, Safety - The Cowboys love Bell's versatility to play safety, linebacker and of course, special teams – making him a consistent option for the game-day roster each week.
No. 16– Sam Howell, QB - The backup quarterback has been a heated debate all offseason and Howell's preseason finale performance likely helped him get the nod over Joe Milton, who is on the practice squad.
No. 17– Brandon Aubrey, Kicker - The NFL's highest-paid kicker has already had three phenomenal seasons in the league and enters Year 4 with high expectations again. Aubrey also looks to increase his NFL record of most career field goals of 60 yards or more – currently with six.
No. 18– Jonathan Mingo, WR - After wearing No. 81 the last two years, Mingo has switched jerseys – flipping the numbers and hopefully flipping the script for his career. The second-round pick of the Panthers in 2023, Mingo had a great camp and preseason with the Cowboys and should be in line to not only play each week, but contribute on offense and special teams.
No. 19 – Ryan Flournoy, WR - The Cowboys made sure to lock Flournoy up for at least two more seasons, giving him a contract extension this week. Flournoy was set to be a restricted free agent next year and now will be on the team through 2027. This year, he could have endless chances to shine as defenses must focus on CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.
No. 20 – Malik Davis, RB
No. 21– Caelen Carson, CB - After battling several cornerbacks for the final roster spots in the secondary, Carson stuck around once again. Carson adds experience and depth to the position.
No. 23– Ameer Speed, CB - After wearing No. 39 this offseason, Speed always wanted to change numbers, but had to make the team first. He did that, and promptly switched to No. 23. His size and length should give the Cowboys an added boost in the secondary.
No. 24– Malik Hooker, Safety - Another player who switched numbers this offseason, Hooker went from No. 28 to 24 and finds himself as the veteran of now a very talented safety room, with the additions of PJ Locke, Jalen Thompson and rookie Caleb Downs.
No. 26– DaRon Bland, CB - The Cowboys can only hope Bland returns to the form he showed in 2023, when we set the NFL record for most pick-6 touchdowns in a season with five. Bland has had a healthy offseason and it showed with a strong training camp.
No. 28– Shavon Revel, CB - Another number change from last year, Revel moved to No. 28 but more importantly, he looked better than any time during his rookie year. Healthy again, Revel played and practiced with confidence and enters the season as one of the starting cornerbacks.
No. 29– Devin Moore, CB - Technically not on the active roster, Moore is currently on IR-desginated to return. The rookie will miss the first four games at least and could return to action for the first time on Oct. 8 against the Bucs.
No. 31– Emari Demercado, RB - A late addition to the team this offseason, Demercado was successfully claimed off waivers following the initial NFL cutdowns to 53 players. He returns to Dallas as a TCU product thrilled to help contribute alongside Javonte Williams and Malik Davis.
No. 33– Javonte Williams, RB - The first signing in free agency in 2025, Williams became the bell cow for the Cowboys over the course of what became a breakout season and, one year later, became the first contract extension by the Cowboys as they solidify their RB1 role with one of the best in the league.
No. 34– Jalen Thompson, Safety - The decision to bring Thompson to Dallas could prove one of the smartest of the offseason. His football ability and acumen are through the roof, capable of being a green dot, if needed, and reunites with secondary coach Ryan Smith to help establish a new regime at the position.
15 August 2026: Game day captains Luke Schoonmaker (86), Marist Liufau (35), Alijah Clark (38)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL preseason 17-7 win over the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
No. 40– Von Miller, OLB - Where does one begin here? Miller is a seven-time All-Pro, an eight-time Pro Bowler, a two-time Super Bowl champion, a former Super Bowl MVP and, amongst other things, he's a native of the Dallas-Fort Worth area (DeSoto). Miller is home, playing for his hometown team and "living the dream".
No. 41– James Houston, OLB - A pleasant surprise for the Cowboys last season, Houston arrived and did everything they hoped he'd do in his first year with the club. He has become one of the best situational pass rushers on the team and only stands to improve with Christian Parker at the helm.
No. 44– Trent Sieg, LS - Following a legend is a tall task, to say the very least. But just as you never heard the name of L.P. Ladouceur called in a game (well, once), you've also never heard Sieg's since joining the Cowboys in 2023, one of the valuable players on the roster with the power to help determine field position with every long snap.
No. 50– Shemar James, LB - Entering the second year of his NFL career, the former Gator is a tackling machine for the Cowboys, as he was at Florida. James is one of the better special teams players in Dallas who will also be looked upon to make waves on the defensive side of the ball as well.
No. 51– Nick Leverett, OL - The loss of Tyler Smith leaves the Cowboys searching for offensive line depth, but they don't have to search far. Leverett is a swing interior lineman signed for just such an occasion, activated to the 53-man roster to help ensure consistency in the trenches.
No. 52– Tyler Booker, OL- It took all of 17 games for the world to understand why the Cowboys used a first-round pick to acquire Booker in 2025. His dominance as Alabama has spilled over into Dallas, preventing a post-Zack Martin era void that might've decimated the interior of the Cowboys' O-line, if not for Booker and his upside.
No. 53– Dee Winters, LB - In dire need of figuring out their LB depth chart, and not wanting to leave NFL Draft weekend without acquiring an impact player at that position, the Cowboys made a move to trade with the San Francisco 49ers to acquire Winters who, to this point, looks like he'll be a bit of a nightmare for opposing offenses.
No. 55– Jaishawn Barham, LB - He enters the NFL with plenty of experience rushing the passer off of the edge, and while Christian Parker plans to deploy that as well, at times, the decision to convert Barham to inside linebacker could turn the hard-hitting former Wolverine into something special for the Cowboys.
No. 56– Cooper Beebe, C - Reunited with his former collegiate offensive line coach, Conor Riley, Beebe's progression is impressive. Tasked with converting from guard at Kansas State to center, and one good enough to become a salute to Travis Frederick, is currently the path Beebe walks in-between Tyler Booker and Tyler Smith.
No. 57– Malachi Lawrence, OLB - Lawrence is a first-round pick for a reason, and he's enjoying flying under the radar going into this rookie season with the Cowboys. His days at UCF showed a player who can set the edge very well against the run and also get after the passer; and as he perfects the latter, he does so knowing most won't see him coming.
No. 60–Tyler Guyton, T - Not many in the NFL entered training camp with as much pressure on their shoulders as did Guyton, and all the former first-round pick did was respond with the best camp of his career, and his healthiest. Guyton feels good, and plans on making sure that translates into him playing very, very well in 2026.
No. 65 – Ajani Cornelius, OL - Heading into his second year out of Oregon, the Cowboys have tried Cornelius out at guard during the preseason, where he put together some good reps.
No. 66 – T.J. Bass, OL - After placing the second-round tender on Bass earlier the offseason, Bass steps into a massive role for Dallas early in the season, starting at left guard in place of Tyler Smith.
No. 67 – Drew Shelton, OL - One of the Cowboys' three fourth-round picks from the 2026 NFL Draft, Shelton has plenty of room for growth and development at tackle and potentially guard.
No. 73 – Tyler Smith, OL - While currently on IR recovering from thumb surgery, Smith will provide a big boost to Dallas' offensive line upon his return as he seeks fourth straight Pro Bowl season.
No. 77 – Broderick Jones, OT - After trading third- and fifth-round picks for Jones after the preseason, head coach Brian Schottenheimer said he'd be competing with Terence Steele for the starting right tackle job.
No. 78 – Terence Steele, OT - One of Dallas' iron men on the offensive line, Steele has now been challenged by the coaching staff to hold on to the starting right tackle job he's held for the most part since 2020.
No. 80 – Camden Brown, WR - The Cowboys' darling of training camp and the preseason, Brown, a UDFA out of Georgia Southern, did enough to prove himself worthy of being on the 53-man roster in one of Dallas' deepest position rooms.
No. 86 – Luke Schoonmaker, TE - After Brevyn Spann-Ford has grown into the role of the Cowboys' TE2, Schoonmaker has a lot to prove heading into his fourth season with Dallas.
No. 87 – Jake Ferguson, TE - Following a year of injuries and struggles with ball security, Ferguson is hoping to rebound in 2026 while still building off the 600 yards and eight touchdowns he had a year ago.
No. 88 – CeeDee Lamb, WR - For the first time in a while, Lamb feels like he's the veteran in Dallas' receiver room as he heads into his seventh season with the Cowboys and aims for his sixth consecutive Pro Bowl.
No. 89 – Brevyn Spann-Ford, TE - With a new three-year extension to show for it, Spann-Ford has earned the trust of the Cowboys' coaching staff to become an integral part of the offense for the foreseeable future.
No. 90 – Jonathan Bullard, DT - Bullard's veteran experience heading into year 11 of his career is a large boost to the depth of the Cowboys' defensive tackle room.
No. 91 – Otito Ogbonnia, DT - After four seasons with the Chargers, Ogbonnia arrives with the Cowboys hoping to serve as a plug in the middle of the defensive line.
No. 92 – Quinnen Williams, DT - Williams is one of the cornerstones for the Cowboys' defense now and in the future, as shown by the three-year, $105.9 million contract he signed with Dallas last month to lock him in contractually through the 2030 season.
No. 97 – Kenny Clark, DT - After arriving in Dallas the week of opening day in 2025, Clark has now had a full offseason to work with his teammates, including sharing a training camp field with Quinnen Williams for the first time.
No. 99 – LT Overton, DT - In a deep defensive tackle room, Overton adds a smaller, but strong and powerful option that can line up in multiple different positions along the front.
