Giants vs. Cowboys: 5 players to start/sit in fantasy football

The New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys are set to kick off the 2026 regular season, which means fantasy football is in full swing.

With drafts already taken place, the majority of lineups are going to reflect the order in which managers drafted. Even so, there are still a handful of players who may be on the fringe in terms of their fantasy viability in Week 1.

We’re not counting the likes of CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Malik Nabers and Javonte Williams — all of whom should be started without thought.

Meanwhile, here’s a look at five players from this matchup to start or sit in Week 1:

Both quarterbacks should be in fantasy lineups this week to open the season, but we’re going to focus a bit more on Dart here. Though the second-year quarterback was going relatively late in drafts, he’s in a fantastic spot this week. The Cowboys defense has gotten better, but they still allowed the most fantasy points per game (23.4) to the quarterback position last season. Given that and his rushing upside, Dart is a strong option at quarterback.

Those who drafted Skattebo may be feeling a little iffy going into the season with Najee Harris and Tryone Tracy Jr. also in the mix. But his draft capital is simply too high to put him on the bench in Week 1. The Cowboys also allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game (20.7) to the position in 2025 to go along with the fourth-most targets (85). Don’t expect the world, but it’s very possible Skattebo finishes the week as a top-24 option.

The tight end position in fantasy football is a bit fickle as a simple touchdown reception can help win a week at the position. Even so, Ferguson’s numbers plummeted when both Pickens and Lamb were active last season. On top of that, the Giants allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game (6.5) to the position in 2025. There are more upside options on available than Ferguson.

On the other side, Likely appears to be in line for a strong role within the Giants passing offense. Nabers is expected to reprise his role as the target share leader, but Likely could very well be the No. 2 option in the passing game. The Cowboys weren’t terrible against fantasy tight ends last season but given the high betting total, Likely is solid option with some upside in Week 1.

In the past, the Giants offense would be one to target for defense and special teams units in fantasy football. That may not be the case as much any more. Dart could bring plenty of electricity and with a 48 over/under, per BetMGM, this could turn into a high-scoring affair.