From Newsweek · Matt Audilet · · 1m 10s
Cowboys-Giants opener gives NBC a ratings win
Dallas-New York pulled the biggest season-opening Sunday Night Football audience in 11 years.
In brief
Dallas-New York pulled the biggest season-opening Sunday Night Football audience in 11 years. Cowboys-Giants remains one of the NFL's safest prime-time draws, even when New York steals the night on the field. Originally reported by Newsweek.
A rivalry opened NBC
The Cowboys visited the Giants at MetLife Stadium for a prime-time Week 1 game built around a familiar NFC East rivalry.
“Sunday Night Football”
The audience was huge
NBC said the game averaged 25.7 million viewers, the best season-opening Sunday Night Football number since 2015.
“25.7 million viewers”
It peaked even higher
Viewership climbed to 29 million at its peak, topping NBC's earlier Week 1 Super Bowl rematch average of 25.1 million.
“peaked at 29 million viewers”
New York backed it up
The Giants beat Dallas 28-20, turning the ratings draw into a statement win for their 2026 debut.
“28-20 final score”
Dart outplayed Prescott
Jaxson Dart completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns, getting the better of Dak Prescott.
“230 yards and three touchdowns”
Week 2 is set
NBC's next Sunday Night Football game sends the Kansas City Chiefs against the Indianapolis Colts.
In short
Cowboys-Giants remains one of the NFL's safest prime-time draws, even when New York steals the night on the field.
