Two NFC East rivals go head-to-head on Sunday (01.20 Monday UK time) as the New York Giants welcome the Dallas Cowboys to MetLife Stadium.

The Cowboys are coming off another disappointing end to their 2022 season, but “America’s Team” remain one of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl at 12/1, while the Giants were somewhat of a surprise package last season under Brian Daboll, who was named Coach of the Year for his efforts during his first season in the Big Apple.

Dallas remain one of the best defensive teams in the league led by first-team All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons – and the offense isn’t too shabby either with Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Tony Pollard leading the charge.

Question marks continue to surround Daniel Jones, who enjoyed a much-improved 2022 season, but doubts remain as to whether he is the man to lead the Big Blue back to Super Bowl glory.

Team News

The Cowboys traded for Stephon Gilmore and Brandin Cooks in the offseason, and they will both take the field here as will Mazi Smith who will make his rookie debut.

It remains to be seen whether Tyler Smith will feature due to a hamstring problem, while Donovan Wilson and Sam Williams remain on the treatment table with calf and toe injuries respectively.

As for the Giants, Gary Brightwell, Cam Brown, Lawrence Cager, D.J. Davidson and Wan’Dale Robinson have all had limited participation in practice this week, and may have to sit out of the season opener.

Gervarrius Owens and Cor’Dale Flott both continue to nurse hamstring injuries, but Darren Waller is set to make his Giants debut after being traded from the Raiders in the offseason.

Dallas Cowboys (-3.5) @ EVS

The Cowboys have an excellent record against the Giants in recent years, winning nine of the last 10 meetings between the teams.

Perhaps more relevant to this pick, the Cowboys won by eight and seven points in their two meetings against the G-Men last season, so I’m backing them to cover the spread here.

Dallas are out to prove they are the best team in the NFC East (and ultimately win a Super Bowl), and although they will face a stern test from the Giants, their defense remains one of the very best in the league, and I believe it will prevent New York from breaking through in this match.

Dallas to cover the spread here, for me.

New York Giants between 18-20 points @ 11/2

I was going to go for under 22.5 points for the Giants at 8/11 but I think between 18 – 20 offers more value at 11/2.

Last season, the G-Men scored fewer than 22 points in 10 of their 17 regular-season games, and in their last 10 meetings with the Cowboys, they’ve only exceeded 22 points on three occasions.

In addition, like I’ve touched on above, Dallas still possess one of the elite defensive units in the league, making the Giants’ task of scoring all the more difficult.

Darren Waller is a nice addition to go alongside Saquon Barkley in the offense, but I’m still unsure whether Daniel Jones can take that next step at QB.