Giants stun Cowboys in Week 18, 34-17

The New York Giants closed a difficult season on a high note Sunday, defeating the rival Dallas Cowboys 34–17 at MetLife Stadium to finish the year with back-to-back wins.

Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart threw two touchdown passes and the Giants’ offense delivered one of its most complete performances of the season, sending Dallas to its first loss against New York since the 2020 finale. The win pushed the Giants to 4–13, knocking them out of contention for a top-two draft pick but reinforcing organizational optimism surrounding their young quarterback.

Dart was efficient and poised in his 12th NFL start, completing 22 of 32 passes for 231 yards and touchdowns to Daniel Bellinger and Tyrone Tracy. Bellinger’s 29-yard score highlighted a first half in which New York steadily pulled away, while Tracy’s touchdown early in the third quarter helped put the game out of reach.

The Giants played the game with a full competitive approach despite being short-handed by injuries and illness, keeping their starters on the field throughout. Dallas (7–9–1), by contrast, treated the contest more cautiously. Dak Prescott exited at halftime after completing 7 of 11 passes for 70 yards and losing a fumble on a botched snap. Joe Milton took over in the second half.

Dallas managed two rushing touchdowns, the first NFL scores for Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, but struggled defensively once again, allowing more than 30 points for the second straight week. The Cowboys entered having won nine consecutive meetings against New York, including 14 straight starts by Prescott.

Tensions boiled over early in the third quarter following Dart’s touchdown pass to Tracy. After a series of personal fouls between offensive and defensive linemen, Dallas edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku was ejected for removing Giants guard Greg Van Roten’s helmet. New York capitalized by converting the ensuing two-point attempt, extending its lead and further shifting momentum.

The Giants’ special teams were steady, with kicker Ben Sauls converting all four of his field-goal attempts. The defense limited Dallas’ passing attack and consistently got off the field on third down, allowing New York to control the second half.

After the game, Giants owner John Mara was presented with a game ball in the locker room as he continues cancer treatment, capping an emotional afternoon for the organization.

Injuries

Cowboys: S Markquese Bell was ruled out before halftime with a concussion. S Alijah Clark was a late scratch for personal reasons.

Giants: LB Darius Muasau exited in the third quarter with an ankle injury. CB Rico Payton was evaluated for a concussion.

Up next

Cowboys: Brian Schottenheimer is expected to return for a second season, though changes among the defensive staff are possible.

Giants: New York will begin an offseason that includes a coaching search, with questions remaining about the front-office structure moving forward.