You're probably staring at your calendar, wondering when the blue jerseys hit the field again. Maybe you just saw the season finale against Dallas on January 4th and you’re already itching for more. Or maybe you're one of those planners trying to figure out if you can make a Sunday wedding work around a kickoff.
Let's get the big news out of the way first.
As of right now, in mid-January 2026, the New York Giants have officially entered their offseason. They finished the 2025-2026 regular season with a 4-13 record, capped off by a satisfying—if mostly symbolic—34-17 win over the Cowboys at MetLife. Since they didn't make the playoffs, they aren't playing this weekend.
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What Time Does The New York Giants Play Their Next Game?
If you are looking for a kickoff time for this Sunday, you won't find one. The NFL playoffs are currently in full swing with the Divisional Round, but Big Blue is watching from the couch.
But wait. Don't close the tab yet.
While the actual "what time" won't be set in stone until the NFL releases the official schedule in May 2026, we actually know exactly who they are playing and where. The NFL uses a rotation formula that makes the opponents predictable even when the dates aren't.
Usually, the Giants play most of their home games at 1:00 PM ET. It's the classic MetLife window. However, with the 2026 opponents now finalized, there are some massive matchups that will almost certainly be flexed into "Sunday Night Football" or "Monday Night Football" slots.
The 2026 Home Opponents
Expect most of these to be 1:00 PM or 4:25 PM starts, unless they get the primetime nod.
- Dallas Cowboys: Likely a 4:25 PM or 8:20 PM start. It's the ratings king.
- Philadelphia Eagles: Almost always a high-intensity late afternoon or night game.
- Washington Commanders: A safe bet for a 1:00 PM kickoff.
- Arizona Cardinals: Often 1:00 PM when played in NJ.
- San Francisco 49ers: This is a "Game of the Week" candidate. Expect 4:25 PM ET.
- Cleveland Browns: Likely 1:00 PM.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Likely 1:00 PM.
- New Orleans Saints: Likely 1:00 PM.
- Tennessee Titans: Likely 1:00 PM.
The 2026 Away Schedule
This is where time zones start to mess with your Sunday plans.
- L.A. Rams: Since this is in Los Angeles, the game will not start before 4:05 PM ET.
- Seattle Seahawks: Another West Coast trip. Definitely a 4:05 PM or 4:25 PM ET kickoff.
- Houston Texans: Likely 1:00 PM ET.
- Indianapolis Colts: Likely 1:00 PM ET.
- Detroit Lions: Usually a 1:00 PM ET start, unless it’s the Thanksgiving game.
Why the Kickoff Times Keep Changing
NFL scheduling is a bit of a dark art. You might see a game listed for 1:00 PM in June, only for the league to "flex" it to 8:20 PM by October. This happens because the NFL wants the best matchups in front of the biggest audiences.
Honestly, the Giants' 4-13 record in 2025 means they might see fewer primetime slots in early 2026. Networks like NBC and ESPN want winning teams. But because the Giants are a "big market" team with a massive following, they usually get at least two or three night games regardless of the previous year's record.
If you're asking what time does the New York Giants play because you want to book a flight to an away game, hold your breath until the second week of May. That is the "Schedule Release" window when the NFL turns a list of names into a calendar with actual times.
How to Check the Time on Game Day
When the season finally kicks off in September 2026, you'll want to keep a few things in mind.
First, always check the "Flex" schedule. Starting in Week 5, the NFL can move games from Sunday afternoon to Sunday night. They have to give 12 days' notice, so you won't be surprised on a Saturday, but it can still ruin a dinner reservation.
Second, the "Local" rule. If you're living in the New York market, the game is almost always on FOX or CBS. If you’re a Giants fan living in, say, Florida, the 1:00 PM start time might not matter because your local station will be showing the Dolphins or Bucs instead. You’ll need NFL+ or Sunday Ticket for that.
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Third, the London factor. The NFL loves sending the Giants overseas. If they get tapped for a London game in 2026, the answer to "what time" becomes a very early 9:30 AM ET. Set an alarm and get the coffee ready.
Planning for the 2026 Season
Since the 2025 season is over, the best thing you can do is prep for the draft. The Giants are sitting on a high pick after a rough year. That pick will likely determine if the 2026 games are "must-watch TV" or just something you have on in the background while you do chores.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the NFL's announcement in May. That is when the specific times for the 49ers, Rams, and divisional games will be locked in. Until then, you’ve basically got a list of cities and a whole lot of Sundays to fill.
Actionable Next Steps:
Keep your calendar clear for the second week of May 2026. This is the only time the NFL will officially announce the kickoff times. Once that drops, immediately check for the West Coast games (Rams and Seahawks) to ensure you don't miss those late-afternoon starts, as they won't follow the standard 1:00 PM ET routine.