What happened: NFL insider Ian Rapoport flagged schedule release week with a notable Week 1 matchup on tap. The Cowboys will visit the Giants on the first Sunday Night Football broadcast of the 2026 season, per the league's official announcement. The full slate drops Thursday, May 14 at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network.

Why it matters: Cowboys-Giants in prime time signals the NFL leaning on its longest-running rivalry to launch the season, a ratings-safe choice for NBC's marquee window. Week 1 prime-time slots typically draw the largest non-playoff audiences and shape early-season. Opening a season at MetLife with a divisional foe also frames the NFC East narrative from kickoff.

What to watch: Watch Thursday's full release for standalone international, Thanksgiving, and Christmas slates. Look for early Cowboys-Giants