Below the Belt: The Cowboys will play the Giants in Week 1

Shan and RJ open their episode with the announcement that the Dallas Cowboys will kick off the 2026 NFL season on Sunday Night Football against the New York Giants at the Meadowlands on September 13th. The hosts express mixed feelings about the matchup, noting the long-standing rivalry has become routine, but express renewed interest in the Giants due to their potential for improvement. They dive deep into the Cowboys' projected schedule, highlighting its difficulty—ranked among the top five toughest in the league—citing tough road games against teams like Green Bay, Houston, the Rams, and Seattle. The discussion emphasizes the Cowboys' struggles on the road and against elite defenses, with concerns about their ability to win non-division games away from home. The conversation shifts to the college football draft fallout, focusing on how NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) compensation is now influencing decisions in rounds four and five, with top quarterbacks like Riley Leonard and Quinn Ewers choosing to stay in college for higher earnings and more control over their careers. The hosts debate the appeal of college life versus the NFL, noting the financial and lifestyle advantages of staying in school, even at the cost of draft stock. The episode closes with a teaser for the final hour, including mock draft analysis and updates on the Dallas Mavericks.