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The John Harbaugh era will officially begin Sunday night as the New York Giants host the Dallas Cowboys in the season opener at MetLife Stadium. Playing the Cowboys in the season opener has been a nightmare for the Giants for the last several years. New York is 1-7 against Dallas this century in Week 1, including a 40-0 beatdown in 2023. But after an offseason that saw upgrades to the roster and coaching staff, the Giants are confident things will be different in 2026. Here are five bold predictions for Big Blue in their season opener. Related: 1 Bold Prediction for Each Game in NFL Week 1, Including Super Bowl LX Rematch Isaiah Likely will score two touchdowns in his Giants debut Throughout OTAs and training camp, Jaxson Dart’s favorite target has been tight end Isaiah Likely. The 6’4, 241-pound pass-catcher is poised to have a breakout season, as for the first time in his career, he’s the number one tight end on the depth chart. Due to his size, speed, and athleticism, he’s a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Dallas may have rookie safety Caleb Downs covering him, but the 26-year-old tight end will get the better of the matchup. Likely’s Giants debut will be a stellar one as he will score two touchdowns. Related: New York Giants 2026 NFL Season Preview: The Top 5 Burning Questions Arvell Reese will intercept Dak Prescott Arvell Reese has received high praise this summer for his speed and physicality. But he also has underrated instincts, which is one of the reasons he’s one of the favorites to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. Most expect the rookie linebacker to make his biggest impact tackling ball carriers behind the line of scrimmage or pressuring quarterbacks. But on Sunday night, Reese will make his first major impact in the NFL as he will intercept a pass from Dak Prescott that was intended for tight end Jake Ferguson. Related: NY Giants Armchair Coaches… Would You Play Malik Nabers In Week 1 Against Dallas Cowboys? Odell Beckham Jr. will have a 40-yard reception For the first time since December of 2018, Odell Beckham Jr will suit up for the New York Giants. He has been one of the players who have shined throughout the summer, and despite being 33, he’s still shown the ability to get open. His role in the offense is not defined yet, but he will see plenty of action against Dallas. He may not be as explosive as he was a decade ago, but he can still run by cornerbacks. He’ll display this ability once again in front of a nationally televised audience as he will haul in a 40-yard reception. Related: 1 NFL Player From Each Team Who Will Disappoint in Week 1 The offensive line will not allow a sack With the addition of 10th overall pick Francis Mauigoa to play right guard, this is the best offensive line the Giants have had since the Tom Coughlin era. In 2025, the line allowed 48 sacks, and seven of those sacks came in their two meetings against Dallas. This time around, New York’s offensive line will get the better of the Cowboys’ front seven and keep Jaxson Dart upright as they will not allow a sack in the game. Related: NFL Week 1 Predictions: NFL Picks For Every Game on Schedule This Week Dominic Zvada will kick a game-winning 60-yard field goal as time expires Everyone knows Dallas placekicker Brandon Aubrey has one of the strongest legs in the league, as he makes 60-yard fields with ease. This year, New York has a kicker with a booming leg as well in undrafted rookie Dominic Zvada. Zvada beat out Ben Sauls for the kicking job this summer and converted on all five of his field goal attempts in the preseason, with the longest being 53 yards. In his NFL debut, he will make the biggest play of the game as he will connect on a 60-yard field goal as time expires to give the Giants the win. Related: Week 1 NFL Matchups: 5 Things We Can’t Wait to See as 2026 NFL Season Kicks Off