Even though Greg Newsome II downplayed the idea of unfinished business with Pickens (whom he had a scuffle with back in 2024), all eyes are fixed on that probable cornerback-wideout matchup. Based on the Giants’ unofficial depth chart at cornerback, fans can expect Newsome to be assigned to Pickens, but anything can happen.

“The Giants unofficial Week 1 depth chart lists Donte Banks alongside Greg Newsome as the starting cornerbacks,” Jordan Raanan of ESPN reported on X. “Banks ahead of Paulson Adebo.”

Potential NY Giants defensive plans

With the release of their unofficial depth chart, the Giants also confirmed Nabers’ role during Week 1’s matchup against the Cowboys. He will be the team’s No. 1 wide receiver. However, the G-Men declaring Newsome and Banks CB1 and CB2, respectively, doesn’t completely reveal how the defense will look on Sunday night.

John Harbaugh and Dennard Wilson have a lot to think about, especially as their first test will be against the Cowboys‘ two-headed monster in Lamb and Pickens. New York could line up Newsome across from Lamb for the majority of the plays if they wish to set up a best-on-best competition outside the numbers. However, another option is to play Newsome on Pickens, leaving Banks responsible for Lamb while making sure the fourth-year corner has some help over the top.

It could change and may even be subject to modifications throughout the game based on what Harbaugh is seeing and what Lamb and Pickens are up to on Sunday night. Clearly, the Giants have their hands full. Even though they addressed it throughout the offseason, the perimeter defense remains the biggest question mark in East Rutherford. Needless to say, it will face a true trial by fire in Week 1.

NY Giants need pass-rush to be a factor

Most likely, the Giants will resort to their prolific pass rushers to disrupt the Cowboys’ rhythm. Learning about the Cowboys’ negative update on guard Tyler Smith might be an encouraging sign for the G-Men’s defenders. However, it will also be New York’s first outing without Dexter Lawrence, and it might show if the team struggles to contain the running game, which is always a key ingredient in the NFL.

Games are won and lost in the trenches, and the Giants must learn to live without their havoc-wreaker in the interior of the defensive line. There’s a lot of change going around the Meadowlands, but at the end of the day, it’s the same old goal: defeating the despised foes from Arlington.

Neutralizing Lamb and Pickens will definitely go a long way toward reaching that goal, so nailing their game plan is paramount. Of course, once kickoff is underway, players make plays, and whiteboard drawings can be deemed irrelevant.

“Definitely great players, but I like our chances,” Newsome said, via NFL.com, about facing Lamb and Pickens in Week 1. For Newsome, it will also be his debut in a Giants uniform, and he will have a litmus test right out of the gate, facing divisional rivals with arguably one of the best wide receiver duos in the league.

Although it will be his first game as a Giant at MetLife Stadium, Newsome has faced both Pickens and Lamb before. The former, however, rings a louder bell than the latter, as Newsome and Pickens have faced off as divisional foes before. It was everything one could expect, and more. As they meet again, Newsome embraced his Week 1 matchup against Pickens.

Newsome vs Pickens

Back in the 2024 NFL season, Newsome, then with the Cleveland Browns, and Pickens, then on the Pittsburgh Steelers, met in a Week 12 win for the Dawgs. On the final play, the two got tangled up in a heated scuffle. On a Hail Mary attempt by the Steelers, the No. 1 wideout and No. 1 cornerback forgot about the pigskin, instead holding on to each other and running out of the end zone while still throwing hands at one another.

It was hard to see because of the pouring snowstorm falling down in The Land, but the vitriol between the two was clear to see. After the incident, Pickens fired at Newsome. “I don’t even know who that is,” Pickens said when asked about facing Newsome again ahead of the Browns-Steelers rematch later in 2024. Newsome had words for Pickens, too.

“I don’t take it as disrespectful because I don’t care about the dude at all,” Newsome said back then about Pickens. “Obviously, he’s the guy that cares more so about himself, and you could see that in the penalties that he causes. But me, I’m a professional so I would never let somebody make me do something to hurt my football team.”

Who will Newsome be assigned to?

Two years have passed since the last time Newsome and Pickens met on the gridiron. But fans around the NFL can get the feeling there is no lost love between the two.

Knowing how high emotions will be running, it remains to be seen if John Harbaugh and Dennard Wilson decide to line up Newsome across from Pickens, or if they assign him to Lamb.

With the Cowboys, they boast a one-two punch at wide receiver that basically makes opponents pick their poison, and they will try to make an example out of the revamped organization in the Big Apple. Newsome has poked the bear, the ball is in the Cowboys’ court now, but the final say will be in Week 1’s Sunday Night Football game.

“I’m sure we can make a way,” Lamb said via Yahoo Sports. “I know it’s going to be a little crazy, but I know we can make a way for this one. “Listen, this is my advocation, @ Jerry, can you please figure out a way? Let’s figure it out. I don’t care what needs to happen. Let’s figure it out and it’s going to get you a couple more championships.”

Many times, people believe that having several stars on a roster could hurt the chemistry inside the locker room. Lamb, an experienced player, prefers to put individual ego aside in order to strengthen the team as a whole.

“I don’t have no ego here, I want to win,” the experienced wide receiver said. “I don’t understand the narrative or X, Y, Z, but it is what it is.” Will Jones finally satisfy Lamb’s desire to continue playing alongside Pickens for a longer time with the Cowboys?

What is Pickens’ contract situation?

George Pickens enters the 2026 season playing under a fully guaranteed, one-year $27.3 million franchise tag after the Dallas Cowboys and his representation failed to reach a multi-year extension prior to the July 15 deadline. Under league rules, contract negotiations cannot resume until after Dallas concludes its regular season in January 2027.

Coming off a career-best 2025 campaign where he tallied 93 receptions for 1,429 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns alongside CeeDee Lamb, Pickens can secure a lucrative long-term future in Dallas by maintaining elite WR1/WR2 productivity while continuing to display total maturity within Brian Schottenheimer’s team.

If he sustains this level of play without off-field distractions in 2026, he will either force Dallas to hand him a top-tier multi-year deal in 2027 or potentially utilize a second franchise tag estimated at $32.8 million.

Lamb is having a strong training camp

The Cowboys’ 2026 training camp is producing good results, especially on offense. Lamb is building a strong connection with Dak Prescott, something that has fans excited ahead of their Week 1 debut against the New York Giants.

“It’s demoralizing for the defense,” he said. “They were mad, hyped and all that. You know how defensive guys be. But as for us man, we just got to connect, fight through the fire and air it out.”

“It’s annoying,” he said, via Jon Machota of TheAthletic.com. “It’s been annoying to prepare against. But obviously seeing it in practice every day, it’s kind of unique. Just seeing the different guys communicate and be able to understand and take what they learn from the meeting room and being able to easily translate it on the field. It’s good to go against. It’s very tricky.”

Strengthening the defensive unit is a must for America’s Team if they hope to compete in the NFC. Christian Parker will look to elevate his players to an elite level, giving Brian Schottenheimer the tools on both sides of the field needed to challenge their opponents.

Cowboys aim to improve their defensive performance in 2025

The Cowboys endured a dismal defensive campaign during the 2025 NFL season, finishing as one of the league’s most vulnerable units. Anchored at the bottom of the league, the defense surrendered a staggering 30.1 points per game, ranking last (32nd) in scoring defense.

Under defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, the unit struggled drastically in the secondary, giving up an average of 251.5 passing yards per game, which also ranked dead last across the NFL. Allowing 377.0 total yards per outing (30th overall) and a league-high 59 total touchdowns, the Cowboys’ defense consistently collapsed under pressure, ultimately undermining a potent offense and causing the team to finish the year with a frustrating 7–9–1 record.

Lamb leads an intriguing offense

To rebuild from a frustrating season, the Dallas Cowboys will look to lean heavily on their elite offense, which finished the 2025 campaign averaging an impressive 394.0 total yards per game (1st in the NFL) and scoring 27.7 points per outing.

Operating out of a highly explosive passing game, franchise quarterback Dak Prescott returns to the helm after a stellar year where he racked up 4,552 passing yards and 30 touchdowns. He will once again have a loaded arsenal out wide, led by superstar CeeDee Lamb, who pulled in 75 receptions for 1,077 yards and 3 touchdowns despite missing a chunk of the season.

Additionally, the Cowboys are confident on George Pickens’ situation heading into the future after locking in the Pro Bowl wideout—who led the team with a career-high 1,429 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns last season—via a $27.3 million franchise tag, ensuring that Dallas retains the league’s most lethal aerial tandem.

New faces on the Cowboys’ defense

Dallas has completely overhauled its defensive unit with an influx of impact talent that has already caught the attention of wideout CeeDee Lamb during team workouts.

Leading the re-engineered linebacking corps are dynamic former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dee Winters and explosive edge rusher Rashan Gary, who arrives from Green Bay to provide elite pass-rushing punch. The secondary has received an equally massive upgrade with the arrivals of hard-hitting former Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson and former Los Angeles Rams cornerback Cobie Durant.

Together, this revamped group is flashing the playmaking energy needed to completely erase the memory of last year’s struggles and turn the Cowboys’ defense into a formidable force.

“That will be one more step in the direction of being a good enough football team to kick the Cowboys’ (expletive),” Harbaugh said. Meanwhile, as these statements were being made public on social media, Lamb responded ironically: “Lol that’s cute.”

Dak Prescott and his Dallas Cowboys will visit MetLife Stadium in Week 1, in what will be a high-profile season opener for both teams. Both franchises have aspirations of contending, and the buildup is already starting to heat up, even though the start of the season is still several months away.

Latest matchups between Cowboys and Giants

The 2025 season series between the Giants and Cowboys delivered two wildly different scripts, resulting in a 1-1 split. In Week 2, the teams engaged in a thrilling offensive shootout at AT&T Stadium, where the Cowboys managed a narrow 40-37 overtime victory sealed by a dramatic 64-yard Brandon Aubrey field goal to force OT and a 46-yarder to win it, despite a massive 450-yard, 3-touchdown performance by Russell Wilson.

However, the Giants got their revenge in the January season finale, capitalizing on an early Dak Prescott exit to dominate Dallas 34-17 behind rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart’s highly efficient performance and a relentless defense, ensuring both division rivals finished their disappointing 2025 campaigns outside the postseason picture.

John Harbaugh and CeeDee Lamb will face each other twice

Beyond their Week 1 opener, the second divisional matchup between John Harbaugh’s Giants and CeeDee Lamb’s Cowboys will take place in Week 17 on Sunday, January 3, 2027.

This late-season clash will kick off at 1:00 PM ET at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, serving as a high-stakes battle that could carry massive playoff implications for the NFC East right before the regular-season finale.

The possibility of acquiring Pickens involves significant sacrifice from a key Cowboys player from last season. Appearing on The Dan Patrick Show, CeeDee Lamb expressed his willingness to restructure his contract to facilitate a deal for Pickens, thereby aiding Jones in his quest to strengthen the team.

“I mean, if it’s necessary, honestly,” Lamb replied when asked about adjusting his contract to help financially secure Pickens’ place on the Cowboys. “I’m pretty good. But I know he’s gonna get every penny that he deserves here in Dallas.”

Lamb’s commitment and his remarks about Pickens underscore his dedication and work ethic, illustrating that he is prepared to do whatever it takes to support the Cowboys‘ success next season.

Why Pickens could be pivotal for the Cowboys

Pickens emerged as a vital substitute for Lamb during the regular season when injuries struck. After his trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pickens demonstrated his potential by posting impressive stats with the Cowboys.

He electrified fans with four standout moments in the regular season that offered a glimpse of playoff aspirations:

• Week 12 vs. Philadelphia Eagles: His standout performance of the year saw him record 146 receiving yards and a touchdown in a crucial divisional clash.
• Week 4 vs. Green Bay Packers: Pickens delivered his first multi-touchdown game for the Cowboys, racking up 134 yards and two touchdowns in a 40-40 shootout.
• The “High-Point” Catch: A viral 17-yard reception where he leapt to seize the ball at its highest point, showcasing his noteworthy vertical prowess.
• Week 16 vs. LA Chargers: A pivotal late-season showing where he amassed 130 yards and a touchdown, crucial for maintaining Dallas’ playoff positioning.

Jones’ vision for Pickens next season

Alongside Lamb’s statements about his willingness to aid in Pickens’ acquisition, Jones has already made a final decision regarding Pickens’ future with the Cowboys.

Securing Pickens would represent a strategic move by Jones to preserve a high-caliber player for the upcoming season, as the Cowboys’ fanbase eagerly awaits further roster enhancements to make a significant impact in the 2026-27 season.

Despite a recent tough defeat against the Detroit Lions, the Cowboys can still win the NFC East because the Philadelphia Eagles have suffered an incredible downfall with three consecutive losses.

If the Cowboys win out and the Eagles lose two of their four remaining games, the division title would go to Jerry Jones’ team. That is why CeeDee Lamb’s status for the Week 15 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings is crucial.

Is CeeDee Lamb playing for Cowboys vs Vikings?

CeeDee Lamb is expected to play for the Cowboys against the Vikings after the wide receiver cleared the concussion protocol. The extra days of rest were key in allowing the star to recover in time.

What happened to CeeDee Lamb?

CeeDee Lamb suffered a concussion in the third quarter of the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions when he jumped to try to catch a pass and, as he came down, his head slammed into the turf. Although the player wanted to return at that moment, the medical staff did not clear him.

On the immediate horizon are the Minnesota Vikings, who will face the Cowboys in a high-stakes Sunday Night Football matchup at AT&T Stadium. The good news for Prescott and company is that CeeDee Lamb is making favorable progress from his concussion, raising hopes for his return.

Insider Jon Machota, via his X account, revealed the significant injury update provided by Schottenheimer regarding the wide receiver’s status: according to the HC, Lamb is “doing good. Progressing nicely.”

The incident involving Lamb, which forced him to leave the field, occurred just minutes into the third quarter. Up to that point, the wide receiver had recorded a total of six catches for 121 yards.

Lamb’s numbers this season in Dallas

Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has firmly established himself as Dak Prescott‘s principal weapon in the Dallas Cowboys’ offense this season. Through the air, Lamb has been a high-volume and efficient playmaker, racking up 57 receptions for 865 yards.

While his touchdown total stands at 3, his impressive 15.2 yards per reception average underscores his ability to turn short catches into significant gains and consistently move the chains for the Cowboys.

What lies ahead for the Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys face a critical and challenging final stretch as they fight to secure their spot in the playoffs. The team will benefit from two consecutive home games at AT&T Stadium against the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Cowboys will conclude their schedule with two key divisional road tests: first against the Commanders and finally, a potentially decisive finale against the Giants at MetLife Stadium. Dallas must emerge victorious in these high-stakes contests to ensure a postseason bid.

The concussion protocol requires a minimum of 10 days, it’s the legally required time, according to the NFL, and that is what it could take for him to suit up again with the Cowboys. This timeline suggests he will miss at least one game while recovering.

There is at least some ‘good news’ regarding Lamb’s health. In a report by Nick Harris after the Detroit game: “Caught Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb coming out of the locker room after he exited with a concussion in the second half. Asked if he was good, he gave me a head nod.”

Fans anxious for Lamb’s return

The desire for Lamb’s return is high, not only because he has contributed the second-most receiving yards for the Cowboys this season, totaling 865 yards, but also because he is a highly valuable player for fantasy football fans, who consistently rely on him to generate points.

“The good news is that the Dallas Cowboys had an early game this week playing Thursday Night Football. Hopefully CeeDee Lamb has enough time to clear concussion protocol and get back for most people’s 1st week of Fantasy Football Playoffs,” commented Joshua Cho on X.

Who could replace Lamb?

In the event Lamb is sidelined, the Cowboys have a few options on the depth chart. KaVontae Turpin is one, having contributed a total of 286 yards and one touchdown on 21 receptions this season. The other option to help fill the void is Jonathan Mingo, who had one target but failed to complete the reception in the most recent game against the Lions.

This has not been Lamb’s year at all. The receiver has struggled to stay healthy, and those setbacks have directly impacted his production week after week. His last game was prove of it.

In Week 12, Lamb ran into problems once again. Although he recorded 75 yards, he caught just four of his 11 targets — a level of inefficiency he openly admits is below his own standards.

CeeDee Lamb gets real with Cowboys after multiple drops against the Eagles

Earlier this year, the Cowboys made the decision to acquire George Pickens. He was expected to be the team’s WR2, but halfway through the season he has taken over as the statistical WR1.

Lamb, meanwhile, has not been the dominant force fans are used to seeing. Injuries and inconsistency have defined his campaign, and the numbers reflect that reality.

The wideout has totaled 632 yards and just two touchdowns. However, those aren’t even the stats drawing the most attention. So far, Lamb has posted a 50% receiving success rate — tied for the second-lowest mark of his career alongside his 2024 season. He has not been a reliable target, and he knows it.

“It’s really just a lack of focus on my end, honestly,” CeeDee Lamb said, via the team’s website. “Just thinking of doing two before one. And there’s been plenty of that going on. And by that, I mean, I’m thinking about my next move before catching the ball, and things of that nature. There’s not really much on anybody else but myself, and I’ve never been a type to really point the finger. It’s all on me, and I gotta answer that.”

Now, the situation with the former Steelers player remains a total unknown regarding his future, as Pickens will become a free agent once this season ends. Jones, the owner and master of America’s Team, wants to see both receivers in Dallas in 2026.

“Of course, of course,” Cowboys owner said via the team’s official website, when asked if he wants Pickens in Dallas in 2026. “We are proud to have him and I don’t even want to play games with it. We’d love to have him on the team. By the way, I’d love to have [CeeDee Lamb] on the team. And I know what we’re asking around here, but we sure like the way the combination is really letting us execute on offense.”

Jerry Jones has expressed great enthusiasm about the level these two players are showing on the field, as they have been among the main playmakers alongside Prescott in the Cowboys’ impressive season.

“George has been such an integral part of our story, and he has his story, to a degree that’s our story,” the GM also added. “I’m so proud for him. Everybody on this team is, and he certainly has absolutely been the difference as we’ve played over the last two weeks… it’s something when you’ve got [CeeDee Lamb] and Pickens.”

The impact of Pickens and Lamb on Dallas’ offense

The Dallas Cowboys’ offense is heavily reliant on the dual production of wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, who together form one of the NFL‘s most dynamic receiving duos.

Through 11 games, Pickens has emerged as a top vertical threat, posting 67 receptions for 1,054 yards and 8 touchdowns, while Lamb has complemented this with 44 receptions for 632 yards and 2 touchdowns, primarily operating closer to the line of scrimmage. Their combined ability to win at all depths is crucial to Dallas’s offensive success and dictates how opposing defenses must try to contain the passing attack.

Will both receivers stay in Dallas next season?

The Dallas Cowboys have one major contract decision settled and one highly urgent one approaching for their star receivers. CeeDee Lamb is secure for the long term, having signed a four-year, $136 million contract extension in August 2024 that keeps him with the team through the 2029 season.

However, the focus now shifts entirely to George Pickens, who is currently playing on the final year of his rookie deal. With Pickens set to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason, signing him to a major contract extension is the Cowboys’ most pressing financial priority to keep their dynamic duo intact.

Chasing the Playoffs

Brian Schottenheimer’s team have dramatically improved their NFC East standings after Cowboys beat Eagles, solidifying their position for a playoff spot. Having won a crucial divisional contest, the team now holds significant momentum and tie-breaker advantages as they enter the final stretch of the season.

To secure a postseason berth, the Cowboys must maintain their high level of offensive efficiency and defensive consistency demonstrated in the win, ensuring they do not drop crucial games against non-divisional opponents.