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If you are a huge football fan, you know that the rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants is legendary. Every time these two teams meet, the energy is electric! But if you missed the most recent game on January 4, 2026, you might be wondering about the Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants match player started list. Knowing who took the field first tells the whole story of how the game was won or lost.
In their latest matchup at MetLife Stadium, the Giants came out on top with a 34-17 victory. It was a wild game with young stars making huge plays and veterans showing their grit. From rookie quarterbacks to lockdown defenders, the starting lineups were full of surprises. Let’s take a deep dive into who started, how they played, and what it means for the future of both teams!
The Quarterback Battle: Jaxson Dart vs Dak Prescott
The most important part of the Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants match player started report is always the quarterback. For the Giants, rookie Jaxson Dart got the start. He was the star of the show! He finished with 230 passing yards and two touchdowns. He even had a “backhand flip” pass that fans are still talking about today.
On the other side, Dak Prescott started for the Cowboys. However, it was a tough day for Dak. He struggled against a fierce Giants defense and eventually left the game. Joe Milton III came in to help later, but the Giants’ defense was just too strong. Watching a young rookie like Dart outshine a veteran like Dak was one of the biggest stories of the 2026 season finale.
Giants Starting Offensive Stars
When we look at the Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants match player started offense for New York, Tyrone Tracy Jr. is a name you must remember. He started at running back and had a career day with 159 total yards! He was like a lightning bolt on the field, finding holes in the Dallas defense that no one else could see.
The receiving corps was also impressive. Even though Wan’Dale Robinson was out with an injury, Darius Slayton and tight end Daniel Bellinger stepped up big time. Bellinger’s 29-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter gave the Giants a lead they never gave back. Their offensive line, led by Austin Schlottmann at center, did a great job protecting their rookie quarterback.
Cowboys Starting Offensive Stars
For Dallas, the Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants match player started list featured some exciting new faces in the backfield. Rookie Jaydon Blue started and showed why he belongs in the NFL. He scored a 14-yard touchdown early in the game to give Dallas a temporary lead. Another rookie, Phil Mafah, made his debut and also scored a touchdown!
Of course, superstar CeeDee Lamb was out there as a starter, but the Giants did a great job of keeping him quiet. The Cowboys’ offensive line had a hard time stopping the Giants’ pass rush. While the young running backs provided some hope, the lack of a consistent passing attack made it hard for Dallas to keep up with the high-scoring Giants.
The Defensive Wall: Who Started for the Giants?
The defense is where the Giants really won this game. Key players in the Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants match player started defensive unit included Brian Burns and Bobby Okereke. Burns is a Pro Bowl star who finished the season with 16.5 sacks! Even though he didn’t get a sack in this specific game, his constant pressure forced the Cowboys into many mistakes.
Bobby Okereke was the MVP of the defense. He recovered a fumble on the very first drive of the game! Later, he intercepted a pass from Joe Milton III to seal the victory. The Giants’ secondary, featuring Paulson Adebo and Jevón Holland, played a physical game that made it very difficult for the Cowboys’ receivers to get open.
Cowboys Defensive Starters and Struggles
The Cowboys’ defense had a rollercoaster of a day. On the positive side, Jadeveon Clowney was a beast! He started at defensive end and recorded a career-high three sacks. He was a one-man wrecking crew at times, but football is a team sport, and he couldn’t do it all alone.
The rest of the Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants match player started defense struggled with penalties and big plays. Rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku had a tough moment when he was ejected from the game after a fight on the field. The secondary also gave up a huge 33-yard penalty on a third-and-long play, which allowed the Giants to keep a scoring drive alive. It was a day they would likely want to forget.
Key Player Biography: Jaxson Dart
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Jaxson Dart |
| Position | Quarterback |
| Team | New York Giants |
| Draft Year | 2025 |
| College | Ole Miss |
| Match Stats | 22/32, 230 Yds, 2 TD |
| Career High | 110.2 Passer Rating |
| Jersey Number | #6 |
Special Teams Impact
We can’t talk about the Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants match player started list without mentioning the kickers. For the Giants, rookie Ben Sauls was perfect! He made all four of his field goals, including a long 45-yarder. For a young kicker, staying calm in a big rivalry game is very impressive.
The Cowboys also had a big play on special teams. KaVontae Turpin returned a kickoff for 84 yards! It was an incredible run that set up a touchdown for Dallas. Even though the Cowboys lost, Turpin’s speed and playmaking ability were a bright spot for the fans in attendance.
Why This Match Mattered for the 2026 Season
This game was the final match of the 2025-2026 regular season. For the Giants, it was a way to end a tough year on a high note. They finished with a 4-13 record, but winning two games in a row to end the season gives them hope for the future. With a young quarterback like Jaxson Dart, things are looking up in New York.
For the Cowboys, the loss was a disappointment. They finished with a record of 7-9-1. While they had some great individual performances from players like Clowney and the rookie running backs, they missed out on the momentum they wanted heading into the offseason. Both teams will be looking at the 2026 NFL Draft to find more pieces for their puzzles.
Final Score and Game Summary
The final score of 34-17 tells you that the Giants were in control for most of the second half. They outgained the Cowboys in total yards (380 to 286) and won the turnover battle. The Giants converted 57% of their third downs, while Dallas only converted 25%.
In the end, the Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants match player started roster for New York was just more prepared. They played disciplined football and took advantage of every mistake Dallas made. It was a classic NFC East battle that showed just how unpredictable football can be.
Summary and Conclusion
To wrap things up, the Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants match player started list was full of talent, but the Giants’ young stars stole the show. Jaxson Dart and Tyrone Tracy Jr. proved that the future is bright in the Big Apple. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have some work to do to fix their defensive consistency and passing game.
No matter who you root for, these games are always a blast to watch. We can’t wait for the next time these two rivals meet on the field! If you enjoyed this breakdown, be sure to share it with your fellow football fans!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who won the Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants match on Jan 4, 2026?
The New York Giants won the game with a final score of 34-17.
2. Which quarterback started for the Giants?
Rookie Jaxson Dart started for the Giants and threw for 230 yards and two touchdowns.
3. Did Dak Prescott finish the game for the Cowboys?
No, Dak Prescott started the game but was later replaced by Joe Milton III in the second half.
4. Who was the top rusher in the match?
Tyrone Tracy Jr. for the Giants was the top performer, gaining 159 total yards from scrimmage.
5. How many sacks did Jadeveon Clowney have?
Jadeveon Clowney had a career-high three sacks for the Dallas Cowboys during the match.