Cowboys opener vs Giants holds a little more intrigue this year

TL;DR

The Dallas Cowboys will face the New York Giants in Week 1 of the NFL season, highlighting rookie Caleb Downs, who was passed over by the Giants twice in the draft. This matchup is particularly intriguing as it features a rivalry intensified by draft decisions.

Key points

Cowboys face Giants in Week 1 of the NFL season
Caleb Downs was passed over by the Giants twice in the draft
Giants selected Francis Mauigoa instead of Downs
Nine teams passed on Downs during the draft
Game is featured as Sunday Night Football

Dallas CowboysNew York GiantsCaleb DownsFrancis Mauigoa

May 1, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Caleb Downs (18) on the field during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | Chris Jones-Imagn Images If Caleb Downs has a chip on his shoulder heading into his rookie season for the nine teams that passed on him in the draft, he gets his first opportunity as early as Week 1. The NFL announced on Monday that the Dallas Cowboys will travel to face the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football. The Cowboys are set to play four of the nine teams that selected players instead of Downs, but the Giants are the only team to pass on Downs twice at pick No. 5 and No. 10. New York had holes up and down their roster, so they could have gone offense or defense with either of their first-round draft picks. The biggest curveball of the night was Arvell Reese falling to New York at No. 5. A few draft analysts before the draft kicked off alluded to that scenario playing out in the first round, and said don’t be surprised if New York takes Reese despite having a plethora of pass rushers. If Reese goes in the Top 4, do they end up taking Downs with one of their two picks? The chances certainly increase. The night before the draft, Josh Downs, Caleb’s brother and wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, predicted that Downs would be going to the Giants. It also sounded like Downs’ agent Ryan Tollner had on good authority before the draft that if he started to fall. Even wanted Downs to join him in New York, and it looked like he was sick when Dallas traded up for him at No. 11. Do yourself a favor and go to YouTube to watch how Giants’ fans react to taking Francis Mauigoa at ten and then watching the Cowboys take Downs at 11. It’s worth your time. At No. 10, the Giants opted to go with Mauigoa to solidify their offensive line. New York’s history with drafting first-round offensive linemen is putrid outside of , so fans hope he will be different than the rest, but he and Downs will always be picks that are tied together. It doesn’t help that during his medical recheck in Indianapolis, it was found “” New York’s loss ended up being the Cowboys’ gain, as everyone from the front office to the coaching staff was probably crossing their fingers in the war room to land their guy in Downs. As the Giants’ revamped offense looks to take on the Cowboys’ revamped defense, Downs will be at the center of it on the NFL’s brightest stage—something that likely played into the league making this game the one that kicks off Sunday Night Football.

Q&A

Why is the Cowboys vs Giants game significant for Caleb Downs?

The game is significant for Caleb Downs because the Giants passed on him twice in the draft, making this matchup a chance for him to prove himself against a team that overlooked him.

What draft picks did the Giants make instead of selecting Caleb Downs?

The Giants selected offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa at pick No. 10 instead of Caleb Downs, who was taken by the Cowboys at No. 11.

How many teams passed on Caleb Downs during the draft?

Nine teams passed on Caleb Downs during the draft, but the Giants are unique in having passed on him twice.

When is the Cowboys vs Giants game scheduled?

The Cowboys vs Giants game is scheduled for Sunday Night Football in Week 1 of the NFL season.