Big Blue Closes the Season With a Showdown in Dallas
The New York Giants have officially reached the end of their season. For Week 18, they will be taking on one of their biggest divisional rivals, the Dallas Cowboys. Both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention. The only thing they have going for them is their draft position for the 2026 NFL Draft. There is much to look forward to in this game for both of these NFC East teams.
The Giants and Cowboys rivalry has been one of the NFL’s longest-standing rivalries between two teams. Dallas holds a significant lead over the Giants, but the Giants have at times found a way to overcome them. The last time these two teams met was earlier in the season, in Week Two, when the Giants lost to Dallas in overtime by a field goal. Each side has spent significant time addressing critical mistakes to ensure they don’t resurface. The Giants have been through several kickers since their Week Two loss. If the game unfolds as expected, the Giants could find themselves settling for multiple field goal opportunities.
However, the Dallas Cowboys are already a favorite to win. The offensive one has had more production than the Giants. They have Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who have both found ways to deliver during this season. Prescott can spread the ball effectively, particularly to Lamb, who will look to generate explosive plays against the Giants’ defensive front. Still, season-long inconsistency in the defensive front keeps the matchup within reach for Big Blue.
The Giants are currently standing at 3-14 after they beat the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17. The nine-game losing streak is finally over, giving New York a clean slate heading into the season finale. Interim head coach Mike Kafka plans to ensure all starters play this coming week. Despite the draft implications, he feels it does not matter whether this team wins or loses. Kafka is expected to start rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, and he can use this game to build momentum as the Giants head into the offseason.
Get ready for a gritty, high-stakes NFC East clash. As the season wraps up, the matchup offers a final opportunity to entertain fans and the league. This battle will take place at 1:00 PM EST on Sunday, January 4th, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It won’t be an easy matchup, but the Giants have been fighting back towards the end of the season. They have been doing their best to put in the effort. Last week, we got a glimpse of what the Giants can do. Sustaining that energy in the finale could provide a meaningful springboard into the offseason.
