New York Giants

Preview: New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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After a 253-day wait, the New York Giants will open their season this Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. It was a busy off season for general manager Jerry Reese, bringing in a new head coach and several defensive headliners. Now it is time to see if those acquisitions will pay off. Below is a season opener preview of three big match-ups that could decide the outcome.

PREVIEW: Cowboys’ Offensive Line vs. Giants’ Front Four

It is an open secret that the Cowboys will look to feed the ball to rookie back Ezekiel Elliot. After all, the Cowboys boast the best line in the league, spearheaded by Tyron Smith and Zack Martin. The Giants finished 24th in the league against the run in 2015, allowing over 120 yards on the ground per game. To counter Dallas’ huge advantage up front, the Giants signed Damon Harrison from the Jets. The hefty Harrison, a solid run defender, should make a strong impact, lined up next to Jonathan Hankins. Hankins, a stout defender in his own right, is returning from a torn pectoral muscle that cost him the second half of 2015.

Nov 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) talks with defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers works out prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

PREVIEW: Giants’ Receivers vs. Dallas Secondary

The Giants know the type of production to expect from Odell Beckham Jr, but not so much from their other receivers. Sterling Shepard had a strong training camp, but he is still just a rookie and must prove he belongs. Victor Cruz is perhaps the biggest question mark of all, having not played in almost two years, and not doing much in the preseason. Fortunately, the Cowboys do not have any world beaters at defensive back. Morris Claiborne has been a disappointment since being drafted in the first round in 2012. Brandon Carr is solid on the left side, but is best remembered as the victim of Beckham’s Catch. Look for Dallas to put two defenders on Beckham and hope that Shepard and Cruz struggle getting into the swing of things.

Aug 20, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs the ball after a catch and tries to avoid a tackle by Buffalo Bills strong safety Duke Williams (27) during the first half at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

PREVIEW: Ben McAdoo vs. Jason Garrett

It will also be our first time seeing how first time head coach Ben McAdoo will handle the clock. Time management was a significant issue for Tom Coughlin in recent years. Hindsight is 20/20, but the Giants lost three or four games in 2015 because of poor clock management. On the opposite sideline, Jason Garrett is no Vince Lombardi, but he does have experience, entering his seventh season with Dallas. In 11 match-ups against Big Blue, Garrett has a 7-4 record, winning five of the last six.

Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo looks on against the New York Jets during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Giants won 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

With that being said, the Giants still have a huge advantage at quarterback. Look for Eli Manning to lead the Giants to an opening day victory.

Final Score Prediction: Giants 29 Cowboys 24