Eagles edge Giants in season opener

Quarterback Jalen Hurts leads Philadelphia to a close victory over New York in the NFL's kickoff game.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:58pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a football game, with players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes in a vibrant color palette.The Eagles' narrow victory over the Giants showcases the intensity and unpredictability of the NFC East division race.Converse Today

The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New York Giants 24-21 in a hard-fought season opener at MetLife Stadium. Quarterback Jalen Hurts threw for 231 yards and two touchdowns, while the Eagles' defense made a crucial stop late in the fourth quarter to preserve the win.

Why it matters

The NFC East is expected to be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL this season, with the Eagles, Giants, Cowboys, and Commanders all vying for a playoff spot. This early-season matchup between two division rivals sets the tone for what could be a tight race throughout the year.

The details

The Eagles jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first half, but the Giants fought back to tie the game at 21-21 in the fourth quarter. With just over two minutes remaining, Hurts led Philadelphia on a game-winning drive, culminating in a 42-yard field goal by kicker Jake Elliott to give the Eagles the victory.

  • The game was played on September 8, 2026, the opening night of the 2026 NFL season.
  • The Eagles and Giants last met in Week 12 of the 2025 season, with the Giants winning 27-17.

The players

Jalen Hurts

The Eagles' starting quarterback, who is entering his fifth season in the NFL.

Jake Elliott

The Eagles' kicker, who made the game-winning field goal in the final minutes of the game.

Saquon Barkley

The Giants' star running back, who rushed for 98 yards and a touchdown in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We knew it was going to be a tough battle against a division rival, but our guys stepped up when it mattered most. I'm proud of the way we fought to the end.”

— Nick Sirianni, Eagles Head Coach

“It's a tough loss, but we'll learn from this and come back stronger. We had our chances, but couldn't make the plays when we needed to.”

— Brian Daboll, Giants Head Coach

What’s next

The Eagles will host the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2, while the Giants will look to bounce back at home against the Dallas Cowboys.

The takeaway

This close divisional matchup between the Eagles and Giants sets the stage for what could be an exciting and unpredictable NFC East race this season, with both teams showing they have the talent to compete for a playoff spot.