Cowboys at Giants: Week 1 lineup questions leave a betting pass
The Cowboys open as road favorites, but the available injury and lineup news does not establish a spread, moneyline or total recommendation.
The matchup and prices
The Dallas Cowboys visit the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, September 13, for their 2026 NFL regular-season opener. The Giants’ viewing guide lists kickoff at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.
Dallas is -3 (-110) on the spread and -160 on the moneyline. New York is +3 (-110) and +140. The total is 48, with Over 48 (-110) and Under 48 (-110). Those prices make Dallas the favorite, but the available reporting does not establish a betting advantage at those numbers.
What the lineup news establishes
Dallas expects left guard Tyler Smith to miss four to six weeks following thumb surgery. T.J. Bass is preparing to take his place against New York. According to the Cowboys, Bass has made 10 NFL starts, five of them in 2025. That experience is relevant, but it does not quantify the effect of Smith’s absence on this matchup.
Giants receiver Malik Nabers carries a questionable designation because of a knee injury despite participating fully in practice Wednesday through Friday. The September 11 injury report does not confirm that he will play. His practice participation should not be treated as clearance.
The Cowboys identify Javonte Williams as their starting running back, while Malik Davis is out with a hip injury. Dallas also begins Christian Parker’s first regular-season game as defensive coordinator. New York’s head coach is John Harbaugh. These personnel and coaching details provide context without demonstrating how either team will perform Sunday night.