There are games, and then there are rivalries. In the NFL, few carry the weight, history, and pure animosity of the Dallas Cowboys versus the New York Giants (Cowboys vs Giants). This isn’t just a Week 2 matchup; it’s a battle for NFC East supremacy, a test of wills between two proud franchises, and the next chapter in a story that has spanned decades. When the Cowboys and Giants take the field, records almost go out the window, replaced by an intensity that defines division football.
This season, the stakes are as high as ever. The Cowboys, led by quarterback Dak Prescott, are under immense pressure to turn regular-season success into a deep playoff run. The Giants, with Daniel Jones at the helm, are determined to prove they belong in the NFC’s elite tier. This game will serve as an early-season barometer for both clubs, setting the tone for their division title aspirations. This all-encompassing guide will break down everything you need to know, from how to watch the action live to the key players who will shape the outcome and our final expert prediction.
When and Where Can I Watch The Game?
Mark your calendars for this classic NFC East brawl. Here are the essential details so you don’t miss a single snap:
- Matchup: Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants
- Day and Date: Sunday, September 14, 2025 (US)
- Kickoff Time (US): 1:00 PM ET
- Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Your Guide to Watching the Game Live
As a premier NFC matchup, this game will be broadcast widely. In the United States, you can catch the game live on FOX. It will be the featured “America’s Game of the Week” in many regions, with top commentators on the call. You can stream the game through the FOX Sports app or FOXSports.com with a valid cable subscription.
For cord-cutters or out-of-market fans, NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube and YouTube TV remains the most comprehensive option for watching every game. Additionally, live TV streaming services such as Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV that carry local FOX affiliates will also broadcast the game. International fans can subscribe to the NFL Game Pass International service for live access.
What is the Main Story of This Game?
The narrative of this game is woven from the fabric of rivalry: Can the Giants’ grit overcome the Cowboys’ star power? This matchup is a classic clash of styles and expectations. The Dallas Cowboys are built to win with flash and firepower. Their offense is loaded with Pro Bowl talent, and their defense is designed to create chaos and turnovers. For them, games like this are expected victories on their path to the postseason. The pressure is on them to perform and dominate, as anything less is often seen as a disappointment.
Conversely, the New York Giants, under coach Brian Daboll, have cultivated an identity built on toughness, discipline, and smart football. They thrive in the role of the underdog, aiming to control the clock, limit mistakes, and win battles in the trenches. The main story revolves around their ability to execute this game plan against a more talented opponent. Can their offensive line protect Daniel Jones from the Cowboys’ ferocious pass rush? Can their defense bend but not break against Dallas’s explosive playmakers? Winning this game for the Giants would be a massive statement, proving their system and their quarterback can go toe-to-toe with the division’s best. For Dallas, it’s about handling business and asserting their dominance early in the season.
Who Are the Key Players to Keep an Eye On?
While football is the ultimate team sport, individual matchups and star performances often decide these intense divisional games. Here are four players who will be critical to their team’s success.
For the Dallas Cowboys:
Dak Prescott (Quarterback)
As the quarterback of America’s Team, Dak Prescott is always under the microscope. His performance is the engine of the Cowboys’ high-powered offense. His ability to read defenses, distribute the ball to his playmakers like CeeDee Lamb, and make clutch throws under pressure will be the single most important factor for Dallas. In a rivalry game, the quarterback who stays calmest and avoids critical errors often comes out on top. Prescott’s leadership and execution are paramount.
Micah Parsons (Linebacker/Defensive End)
Micah Parsons isn’t just a player; he’s a force of nature. His unmatched speed and versatility allow him to impact the game from anywhere on the field. The Giants’ entire offensive game plan will have to account for where No. 11 is on every snap. Whether he’s rushing the passer off the edge, blitzing up the middle, or dropping into coverage, Parsons has the ability to wreck plays and single-handedly change the momentum of the game. His battle against the Giants’ offensive line will be must-see TV. You can track his incredible stats on his official NFL.com player page.
For the New York Giants:
Daniel Jones (Quarterback)
The success or failure of the New York Giants’ season rests heavily on the shoulders of Daniel Jones. He possesses the arm talent and the athleticism to challenge defenses, but consistency against top-tier opponents has been the question. For the Giants to win, Jones must have a clean, efficient game. He needs to make quick decisions to negate the Cowboys’ pass rush, use his legs to extend drives, and, most importantly, protect the football. A strong performance against a rival like Dallas would go a long way in solidifying his status as the franchise leader.
Dexter Lawrence (Defensive Tackle)
While flashy edge rushers get the headlines, Dexter “Sexy Dexy” Lawrence is the anchor and the most dominant player on the Giants’ defense. As one of the premier defensive tackles in the NFL, his job is to control the line of scrimmage. He is a monster against the run and is uniquely skilled at pushing the pocket from the interior, making life uncomfortable for quarterbacks. His ability to disrupt the Cowboys’ running game and pressure Dak Prescott up the middle is the key to slowing down Dallas’s entire offensive attack. For more on the Giants’ roster, check out their official team site at Giants.com.
How Can Each Team Win This Game?
Dallas Cowboys’ Path to Victory:
The Cowboys’ formula for winning is clear: overwhelm with offensive firepower and let the defense hunt. Offensively, they need to establish a balanced attack, using the run to set up play-action passes for Dak Prescott to connect with CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks on explosive plays. They must protect Prescott from the Giants’ pass rush and win the one-on-one matchups on the outside. Defensively, the goal is simple: unleash Micah Parsons. By creating constant pressure, the Cowboys’ defense can force Daniel Jones into mistakes and allow their ball-hawking secondary, featuring Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, to create game-changing turnovers.
New York Giants’ Path to Victory:
The Giants’ path to an upset is paved with discipline, ball control, and trench warfare. Offensively, they must commit to the running game to control the clock and keep the Cowboys’ explosive offense off the field. This means the offensive line has to win its battle against the Dallas front seven. Daniel Jones needs to play mistake-free football, taking what the defense gives him and using his legs to convert crucial third downs. Defensively, they have to contain the Cowboys’ big plays. This means solid tackling in the secondary and getting pressure on Prescott without having to blitz constantly, relying on Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux to win their matchups. Winning the turnover battle is non-negotiable for New York.
What is Our Expert Prediction? Cowboys vs Giants
Rivalry games are notoriously difficult to predict, as emotion can often level the playing field. The Giants will undoubtedly come out fired up and will look to make this a physical, four-quarter fight. If they can protect the football and their offensive line holds up, they have a chance to keep it close deep into the game.
However, the Cowboys’ overall talent, especially at the skill positions and on the defensive line, presents a significant challenge. Playing at home in AT&T Stadium is another major advantage. While the Giants will put up a valiant effort, the relentless pressure from Micah Parsons and the offensive firepower of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb will likely be too much to handle for a full 60 minutes. Expect the Giants to keep it competitive, but for the Cowboys to make a few more explosive plays to pull away in the second half.
Expert Prediction
Dallas Cowboys 31, New York Giants 20
Conclusion
Prepare for a hard-hitting, emotionally charged contest that embodies everything great about the NFL. The Cowboys vs. Giants matchup is a cornerstone of the league’s history, and this Week 2 edition promises to deliver another memorable chapter. With division implications on the line and star players all over the field, it’s a game that no football fan will want to miss. Visit howtoresults.com for more NFL updates.