The NFL season kicks off tonight as the Cowboys travel to take on the Giants.
It may seem weird to start the season on a Wednesday, but it is due to the fact that the Democratic National Convention in on Thursday.
The Giants are coming into the year as the defending champions, so expectations will be high all season long. But thanks to their roommates at MetLife Stadium, the scrutiny may not be quite as high — as everything that happens with the Jets seems to be breaking news.
Still, the Giants want to get off to a good start as they try to defend a Super Bowl title for the second time in five years. And the Cowboys just want to get off to a good start, period.
Cowboys-Giants Preview
The Cowboys enter the 2012 season after an extremely disappointing end to their 2011 season. They were 7-4 before dropping four of their last five, including their last game … against the Giants, which allowed the Giants to sneak into the playoffs.
This collapse at the end of the year led to some calling for change in Dallas, but no change has come thus far.
Tony Romo is still their quarterback, but his play will be closely monitored, as it always is, to determine whether he will remain the starter beyond this season.
Romo will have some help, as he has DeMarco Murray back in the backfield. Murray is returning after an ankle injury ended his season last year. Romo also has Dez Bryant who, even with all his personal problems, is still a great receiver.
The only question for Dallas in this game is Jason Witten, who needs to be evaluated after he lacerated his spleen during the preseason. His presence is crucial to Romo’s and the entire Dallas offense’s success tonight. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, Witten remains doubtful.
When New York knocked off Dallas in Week 17 for the division last year, it gave them the season sweep. The Giants then went on a road run to win the Super Bowl … at 9-7. New York winning it all as a 9-7 6th seed makes it tough to judge how important regular season records are. Ultimately, making it into the playoffs is all that is necessary.
One player to watch for the Giants is Victor Cruz. How effective will hr be after his breakout year last year?. He is the featured receiver for Eli now, and benefited from an inordinate amount of big plays last year, so look for Cruz to have at least some drop-off in his numbers from last year to this year.
Cowboys-Giants Prediction
It is tough to make predictions for Week 1 of any season. But the Giants are the defending Super Bowl champions and are opening the season at home. That makes them the likely winner.
After sweeping Dallas last season, look for New York to continue that trend to start the season.
Giants 31 | Cowboys 21
One of these two quarterbacks will not be all smiles at the end of tonight.
Who do you think will win?
Who will win tonight's 2012 NFL season opener?
- Dallas Cowboys (42%, 13 Votes)
- New York Giants (58%, 18 Votes)
Total Voters: 31
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Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants Game Info
- Cowboys-Giants Date: Wednesday, September 5
- Cowboys-Giants Kickoff Time: 8:30 PM
- Cowboys-Giants TV Network: NBC
- Cowboys-Giants Announcers: Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth
- Cowboys-Giants Point Spread: Giants -4
- Cowboys-Giants Over-Under Odds: 44.5
About Steve Kubitza
