The Dallas Cowboys are set to kick off the 2026 NFL season against their division rival, the New York Giants, on Sunday night. The Cowboys have gotten the better of the Giants over the past several years, but there is plenty of new coaches and players this year that it has a slightly different feel.
Today, we identify one player on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball for the Cowboys who will make a game changing play in Week 1 against the Giants. We call these players X-factors. They
can be anyone from someone who makes a huge special teams tackle to someone who makes the game-winning touchdown.
Offensive X-factor: WR Ryan Flournoy
There’s already been quite a bit of trash talk back and forth between the Giants cornerbacks and the Cowboys receivers, so we expect quite a bit of physical play and trash talk between the two Sunday night. Both CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens will naturally draw most of the attention in this matchup, but it’s Ryan Flournoy who should reap the rewards with favorable coverage.
He will make some key catches this week, one of which will result in a touchdown. After that,he can celebrate his new contract extension in the end zone.
Defensive X-factor: DB Caleb Downs
Caleb Downs may be making his NFL debut against the Giants this week, but at no point so far since joining the Cowboys as the eleventh overall pick has he looked as if he’s not ready to live up to everyone’s expectations, including his own. As one of the favorites to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, Downs has already played in some big games in college and seems more than ready to make a difference in his rookie debut. We predict he’ll make some key plays as both a run defender and in pass coverage to alter the outcome of the game.
Who are your x-factors for the game?
