New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys

Time: September 11th , 4:25 ET

Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington TX

Line: New York Giants (-1)

The New York Giants must be feeling some dèjá vu. 

For the fourth time in five seasons, the Giants will be heading to Arlington, Texas to take on the Dallas Cowboys on the NFL's opening weekend. This game is one of the league's marquee week one games and for good reason. One reason being the rookie debuts of Dak Prescott (QB) and Ezekiel Elliott (RB) facing off against the revamped Giants defense with new faces like Janoris Jenkins (CB), Olivier Vernon (DE) and Damon Harrison (DT).  If the Giants want to prove they can be NFC East and Super Bowl contenders, they'll have to start the season off on the right foot with  a W in the Lone Star State. 

Injury report:

The Giants, one of the NFL's most injured teams the past few years, will head into their week one matchup mostly healthy for the first time in a long time. This week the Giants have just three players listed on the injury report. (Updated Friday, 9/9/16)

DT Robert Thomas (illness): Thomas was recently picked up on waivers by the Giants and has not practiced at all this week. Thomas, who was not expected to make a big impact, has already been ruled out. 

S Darian Thompson (shoulder): Since injuring his shoulder in the second preseason rookie safety Darian Thompson has not seen any game action.

Thompson is listed as probable and is expected to be a full-go come Sunday in Dallas. If he suffers any setbacks Nat Berhe will start alongside Landon Collins.

LB Jonathan Casillas (ribs): Jonathan Casillas who was voted the Giants 2016 defensive captain is looking to get on the field as soon as possible. Casillas suffered a rib injury in the third preseason game but the veteran linebacker is listed as probable and should be a go against the Cowboys impressive offense.

Matchups to Watch:

Dak Prescott - Giants defensive line

JPP will be the veteran among the Giants D -line. (Getty Images)

The Giants spent a lot of money on their defense this year, and specifically their defensive line. When I say they spent a lot on the D-line in talking $141.5-on the D-line alone! They brought in major free agents Olivier Vernon, Damon Harrison and also re-signed Jason Pierre-Paul. Going against an elite Cowboys offense this will be a good first test for them. The Giants D will look to take advantage of the Cowboys rookies on offense and make them suffer. The Giants defense shutting down the Cowboys offense will be one of the major keys in this week one battle.

Giants receivers vs Cowboys secondary:

Odell Beckham Jr. will look to continue his recent dominance against the Cowboys. (Getty Images)

This is the matchup the Giants could possibly have the biggest advantage. The Giants will likely be starting superstar Odell Beckham Jr, new rookie playmaker Sterling Shepard and the now healthy Victor Cruz against the 'Boys weak secondary of Orlando Scandrick, Morris Claiborne, and Brandon Carr. The advantage goes to the Giants here without a doubt. If Eli Manning and the Giants can exploit this vulnerable Cowboys D Manning could have a field day. The only question is will Manning be up to the task?

Giants starting lineup:

Offense:

Player Position College
Eli Manning  Quarterback Ole Miss
Rashad Jennings Running back Liberty
Odell Beckham Jr Wide receiver LSU
Sterling Shepard Wide receiver Oklahoma
Victor Cruz Wide receiver Massachusetts
Larry Donnell Tight end Grambling
Marshall Newhouse Right tackle Texas Chrisitan
John Jerry Right guard Ole Miss
Weston Richburg Center Colorado St
Justin Pugh Left tackle Syracuse
Ereck Flowers Left tackle Miami (FL)

Defense:

Name Position College

Jason Pierre-Paul

 Defensive end South Florida
Damon Harrison Defensive tackle William Penn
Jonathan Hankins Defensive tackle Ohio St
Olivier Vernon Defensive end Miami (FL)
Devon Kenard Linebacker USC
Kelvin Sheppard Middle Linebacker LSU
Jonathan Casillas Weakside Linebacker Wisconsin
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Cornerback Tennesse St
Janoris Jenkins Cornerback North Alabama
Landon Collins  Strong safety Alabama
Darian Thompson  Free safety Boise St

Special Teams:

Name Position College
Randy Bullock Kicker Texas A&M
Brad Wing Punter LSU
Zak DeOssie Long snapper Brown
Dwayne Harris  Kick returner East Carolina 
Dwayne Harris Punt returner East Carolina

Other Notes:

-The NFL will be doing special things to honor 9/11 including special helmet decals.

-The Giants 2016 captains are Eli Manning, Jonathan Casillas, and Zak DeOssie.

Prediction:

This should be a good game as we have two fierce rivals going head to head in this week one matchup. The Cowboys have an explosive offense and the Giants have a revamped, new look defense. This should be a close one but in the end, the Giants experience - the Cowboys rookies and young players should help the Giants emerge victoriously.

Giants 31, Cowboys 27