Dallas Cowboys 14-28 New York Giants LIVE: NFL Week 1 Updates. Jaxson Dart finds Devin Singletary for a 9-yard touchdown pass

Dak Prescott believes the Dallas Cowboys have built something special heading into the new season, with the franchise confident it can return to the playoffs after missing the postseason in each of the last two years.

Their first opportunity to prove those expectations will come under the brightest lights, as Dallas opens its campaign Sunday night against the NFC East rival New York Giants , who will begin a new era under head coach John Harbaugh .

"Obviously it's a new coaching staff over there and new personnel right on defense and just different spots," Prescott said. "It's about us. It's about our focus. It's about the team that we've built this whole offseason and the work that we've put in throughout training camp and this week, as well. Excited for that opportunity."

While the Cowboys enter the season with playoff aspirations, expectations are more measured in New York. However, Harbaugh's arrival, combined with the expected returns of star receiver Malik Nabers and veteran playmaker Odell Beckham Jr. , has created a renewed sense of excitement around the Giants heading into their primetime matchup at MetLife Stadium.

"I can't wait to be a part of it," Giants starting quarterback Jaxson Dart said. "I've just been waiting for this. I think this is just the coolest stage, the coolest opportunity."

Dart will face a revamped Dallas defense that added rookie safety Caleb Downs along with veteran pass rushers Rashan Gary and Von Miller after the Cowboys allowed the most points in the NFL last season. New York's defense also struggled, finishing with the fourth-worst statistical unit in the league.

Nabers is nearly a full year removed from a torn ACL and appears on track to return, although neither he nor Harbaugh has confirmed whether the 23-year-old receiver will be available Sunday night.

Dallas, meanwhile, will be without starting left guard Tyler Smith , who is expected to miss about a month after suffering a thumb injury. T.J. Bass is expected to step into the starting role.

"T.J.'s a true pro," Prescott said. "When you've got a guy like T.J., you don't even flinch."

George Pickens vs. Greg Newsome could be one of the most intriguing battles of the night. The two have history from Pickens' time with Pittsburgh and Newsome's stint in Cleveland, and there is no shortage of intensity between them.

The Cowboys could also look to exploit favorable matchups with CeeDee Lamb facing New York's secondary, including corners Deonte Banks and Paulson Adebo .