EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – On Sept. 24, 1978, the New England Patriots defeated the Raiders in Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, 21-14, in a game that began at 9 p.m. eastern time. It was the NFL's first Sunday night game since the 1970 merger and though no one knew it then, it was the first seed in what has grown into the colossus of Sunday Night Football.
Motivated by the success of Monday Night Football – then in its ninth season – the NFL began scheduling prime time games on other nights. That year, three were played on Sunday and another on Thursday – another seed that has provided the league much fruit. The Giants joined the Sunday night party on Oct. 6, 1985, when they dropped a 30-29 decision to the Dallas Cowboys in Giants Stadium.
Beginning in 1987, Sunday night games became a weekly staple of the league schedule. ESPN televised the games through the 2005 season. In 2006, ESPN began broadcasting Monday Night Football and the Sunday night games moved to NBC, where they became the league's premier weekly showcase and currently enjoy an unprecedented run as television's top-rated primetime show for nine consecutive years.
The first NBC Sunday night regular season telecast was a blockbuster: on Sept. 10, 2006, the Giants hosted the Indianapolis Colts in the first game in NFL history in which the starting quarterbacks were brothers, Eli and Peyton Manning. The Giants lost, 26-21.
Through the years, the Giants – with many successful teams, marquee players and a home in the nation's largest media market – regularly played on Sunday nights. But those appearances diminished recently as the team struggled. The Giants did not play on a Sunday night in 2019 and were not scheduled to play in the league's showcase night game this season until the NFL flexed their game this week against Cleveland from 1 p.m. to prime time. San Francisco's game at Dallas was moved from 8:20 to the early afternoon.
This is the 15th season the Sunday night game has been considered the league's premier weekly event. Dallas, Green Bay, New England, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are the only teams to appear each season. When they play Sunday, the Giants will tie the Chicago Bears for second with an appearance in 14 of those seasons. Cleveland will increase its number of seasons appearing on Sunday night since 2006 to … three.
The Cowboys have played in an NFL-high 50 Sunday night games since then, followed by New England, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with 36 each. Directly behind them are the Giants with 35.
The Giants last played in a Sunday prime time game on Sept. 16, 2018, a 20-13 loss in Dallas. Their most recent Sunday night victory was a 23-10 triumph in Denver on Oct. 15, 2017. And they last hosted a Sunday night game on Dec. 11, 2016, a 10-7 victory against Dallas.
View rare photos of the storied history between the Giants and Browns ahead of their preseason matchup.
New York Giants' half back Frank Gifford heads for a touchdown in second quarter of Giants-Browns game, Dec. 6, 1959. (AP Photo)
Cleveland Browns fullback Jim Brown (32) tries to avoid tackle a tackle attempt during an NFL game against the New York Giants.
Cleveland Browns fullback Marion Motley (76) gains a yard before being pulled down by New York Giants' Jim Duncan, right, in 1950. AP Photo)
Giant halfback Emlen Tunnell (45) eyes two prospective tacklers while making short gain in the second quarter of a game with the Cleveland Browns at the Polo Grounds in New York on Oct. 22, 1950. Ken Gorgal (left), a back, and Jim Martin, an end, move in for the tackle during the Giants 17 to 13 upset over the Browns. (AP Photo)
Cleveland Browns guard Chuck Noll (65) throws a rolling block to take down New York Giants defensive end Joe Sulaitis (21) during an NFL game in Cleveland, Dec. 6, 1953. The Browns defeated the Giants 62-14. (AP Photo/Pro Football Hall of Fame)
Cleveland Browns running back Bobby Mitchell (49) races upfield during game against the New York Giants in Cleveland, Ohio, Oct. 14, 1956. Giants won, 21-9. (AP Photo/Football Hall of Fame)
New York Giants Hall of Fame halfback Frank Gifford (16) tries to dive away from Cleveland Browns safety Johnny Pettibon (44) during an NFL game in Cleveland, Ohio, Oct. 14, 1956 The Giants defeated the Browns 21-9. (AP Photo/Pro Football Hall of Fame)
New York Giants pull a double hand-off and lateral against the Cleveland Browns for the only touchdown of National Football League Eastern Division playoff game at New York's Yankee Stadium on Dec. 21, 1958. As play starts on Browns 19-yard line, quarterback Charley Conerly (42) hands off the ball to Alex Webster (29), who hands off the ball to Frank Gifford (16). With a block by Al Barry (68), Gifford breaks away to a 12-yard line where he laterals the ball to Conerly. Conerly is chased by Browns' Bob Gain (79), Browns' Junior Wren (42), but falls across goal line, Giants won 10-0. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Giants quarterback Charley Conerly (42), upper right, grabs ball pitched laterally by halfback Frank Gifford (16) at 12-yard line and races for touchdown against Cleveland Browns at New York's Yankee Stadium, Dec. 21, 1958. After double reverse, started by a Conerly handoff, Gifford moved to the 12 before pitching out. Other players are: Giants' center Ray Wietecha (55), fullback Mel Triplett (33) and end Bob Schnelker (85); Browns' Willie McClund (78) and Bob Gain (79), both tackles. Extra point and a field goal gave Giants 10-0 win for Eastern Division title of NFL. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Giants quarterback Charley Conerly (42) scores a touchdown as he is tackled by Cleveland Browns Junior Wren (42), as part of a double hand-off resulting in the only touchdown of the NFC Eastern Division playoff game at Yankee Stadium, Dec. 21, 1958.(AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Giants' left end Bob Schnelker (85) catches Frank Gifford's 7-yard touchdown pass to tie up game with Cleveland Browns at 10-all in final period at New York's Yankee Stadium, Dec. 14, 1958. Cleveland defenders are Ken Konz (center) and Junior Wren (right). Giants' Tackle Frank Youso (72) is in background. Giants kicked a field goal in final two minutes to win game 13-10, and force a playoff by New York and Cleveland for NFL's Eastern Division championship December 21. (AP Photo)
Pat Summerall of the New York Football Giants boots from the 49-yard line, as quarterback Charley Conerly (42) holds, in a play good for three points-- margin of victory over Cleveland Browns at Yankee Stadium, New York, Dec. 14. The play, in the final two minutes of the game, followed another field goal attempt from the 33-yard line by Summerall. At right, in play watched by head linesman Charles Berry (31), Giants' Bill Svoboda (30) blocks Browns' Galen Fiss (35). (AP Photo)
New York Giants quarterback Charley Conerly (42) is chased by Cleveland Browns Bob Gain (79) as part of a double hand-off and lateral play resulting in the only touchdown of the NFC Eastern Division playoff game at Yankee Stadium, Dec. 21, 1958.(AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Cleveland Browns cornerback Bernie Parrish (30) attempts to block a kick against the New York Giants during an NFL game Sept. 16, 1962, in Cleveland. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
Frank Gifford (16), New York Giants back, reaches unsuccessfully for pass from quarterback Y.A. Tittle in first quarter of NFL game against the Cleveland Browns in New York's Yankee Stadium, Dec. 9, 1962. Following Gifford is Bernie Parrish of the Browns. (AP Photo)
Y.A. Tittle the passer is the natural target for hostile linemen. Here some 755 pounds of Cleveland Browns -- Frank Parker (78) 255, Paul Wiggin (84) 245, Bill Glass (80) 255 -- bear down as Tittle gets off his pass on Nov. 12, 1963. (AP Photo/ Bob Goldberg)
Y.A. Tittle, New York Giants' quarterback, elected to pass in the first quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland, Oct. 27, 1963, and picked up 20 yards in the process. End Bill Glass (80) and Jim Houston (82) of the Browns were ineffective. (AP Photo)
Giants quarterback Y.A. Tittle (14), back in the starting role for the New York club, rolls out under a veil of protection to toss a first period pass to teammate Joe Morrison against the Cleveland Browns, Dec. 12, 1964, at Yankee Stadium in New York City. Pass was incomplete. Offering protection for Tittle are, Ernie Wheelwright, (30) Dick James, (47) and Rosey Brown (79). (AP Photo)
Cleveland Browns fullback Jim Brown(32) is seen in action during an NFL game against the New York Giants in this undated photo. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
New York Giants tackler Carl Lockhart, 48, gets one hand on scampering Cleveland fullback Jim Brown, 32, early in game at Yankee Stadium, Oct. 24, 1965, New York. Brown shook off Lockhart and barged ahead for a five-yard gain. The rest of the players are unidentified. (AP Photo)
Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Dick Modzelewski (74) takes on two blockers to pressure New York Giants quarterback Y.A. Tittle (14) during an NFL game, Dec. 4, 1964 in Yankees Stadium. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
Leroy Kelly (44) Cleveland Browns back, went down in this fashion as he was tackled by defensive back Freeman White (81) of the New York Giants in the second quarter at Yankee Stadium, Oct. 29, 1967, New York. Other identifiable player is Bill Swain (52), Giants Linebacker. Giants won 38-34. (AP Photo)
Guard Andy Gross (64) of the New York Giants reaches for an elusive pigskin fumbled by Cleveland Browns Carl Ward (27) during a return of Giants kickoff in the third quarter at Yankee Stadium, Oct. 30, 1967, New York. Gross couldnt come up with the ball that eventually was recovered by Giants Carl Lockhart, not shown. Identifiable players are Giants Bruce Anderson (79), Browns Ben Davis (28), and Freeman White (81) of the Giants. The Giants won the NFL game, 38-34. (AP Photo/John Duricka)
Larry Conjar (35) of the Cleveland Browns carries for a first-down in a fourth quarter rally in a game with the New York Giants at Yankee Stadium, Oct. 29, 1967, New York. Clearing a path for the first-down is Browns Gene Hickerson (66) knocking over Giants Carl Lockhart (43). Conjar received from Browns quarterback Frank Ryan. The Giants stopped the last minute rally and won the game 38-34. (AP Photo)
New York Giants quarterback Fran Tarkenton (10) gets set to throw a pass during an NFL game against the Cleveland Browns in this undated photo. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
Cleveland Browns Leroy Kelly (44) during a game against the New York Giants on Decemeber 21,1969 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The New York Giants beat the Cleveland Browns 127-14. Leroy Kelly played for 10 seasons all with the Cleveland Browns He was a 6-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.(David Durochik via AP)
New York Giants receiver Emery Moorehead (80) hangs on to second quarter pass from quarterback Jerry Goldstein as Cleveland Brown's defender Oliver Davis (21) arrives too late to break up play during game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Nov. 20, 1977. (AP Photo)
New York Giants receiver Emery Moorehead (80) hangs on to second quarter pass from quarterback Jerry Goldstein as Cleveland Brown's defender Oliver Davis (21) arrives too late to break up play during game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Nov. 20, 1977. (AP Photo)
Cleveland Browns linebacker Jamir Miller (95) hurdles the line to give chase to New York Giants running back Ron Dayne (27) in the first quarter Sunday, Nov. 5, 2000, in Cleveland. Dayne gained seven yards on the play. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants wide receiver Tom Carter, left, picks up a first down before being run out of bounds by Cleveland Browns defensive back Earl Little (20) in the first quarter Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber, left, attempts to get by Cleveland Browns defensive back Chris Crocker, right, as Giants' Luke Petitgout blocks Browns' Kenard Lang (96) during the fourth quarter Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.. Barber gained 106 yards and ran for a touchdown as the Giants beat the Browns 27-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Cleveland Browns tackle Orpheus Roye (99) stops New York Giants running back Michael Cloud (30) for no gain during the fourth quarter Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.. The Giant beat the Browns 27-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Cleveland Browns' quarterback Jeff Garcia (5) is sacked by New York Giants' defensive end Michael Strahan (92) during the second half of play on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. The Giants beat the Browns 27-10.(AP Photo/Michael Kim)
New York Giants' running back Tiki Barber, center, leaps to a touchdown past Cleveland Browns' Earl Little, left, and Leigh Bodden, right, during the first quarter of play on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. The Giants beat the Browns 27-10. (AP Photo/Michael Kim)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, left, recovers a fumble as he fights Cleveland Browns quarterback Jeff Garcia for the ball during the fourth quarter Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. The ball was snapped over Garcia's head. The Giants won, 27-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) dives into the end zone in the arms of Cleveland Browns linebacker Andra Davis on a 7-yard touchdown run in the second quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
Jay Afford #93 of the New York Giants helps tackle Jason Wright #29 of the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium on October 13, 2008 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Giants 35-14. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Rich Seubert #69 of the New York Giants looks to block against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium on October 13, 2008 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Giants 35-14. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Renaldo Wynn #99 of the New York Giants rushes in against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium on October 13, 2008 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Giants 35-14. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Justin Tuck #91 of the New York Giants battles against Ryan Tucker #72 of the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium on October 13, 2008 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Giants 35-14. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
The defense of the New York Giants gets set at the line of scrimmage against the Cleveland Browns offense at Paul Brown Stadium on October 13, 2008 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Giants 35-14. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 13: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants drops to pass against the Cleveland Browns on Monday, October 13, 2008 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns won the game 35-14. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Eli Manning
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith(12) reaches for the ball during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. Cleveland Browns linebacker Leon Williams (94) approaches from the left. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson (3) holds onto the ball as he's tackled by New York Giants defensive tackle Fred Robbins (98) during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass as guard Chris Snee (76) holds off Cleveland Browns linebacker Leon Williams during a NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) scrambles as Cleveland Browns defensive back Brodney Pool rushes toward him during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants half back Brian Jacobs (27) runs away from Cleveland Browns defenders Mike Adams, top, and D'Qwell Jackson during their NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss (89) breaks away from Cleveland Browns safety Mike Adams during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw (44) avoids Cleveland Browns defensive back Terry Cousin (25) on a kick return during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) returns a kick against the Cleveland Browns in an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) runs against Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, right, during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) is tackled by Cleveland Browns safety Brodney Pool (21) during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) runs with a pass against Cleveland Browns defensive back Terry Cousin (25) during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) eludes Cleveland Browns safety Mike Adams (20) on a run during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) waits for a pass as Cleveland Browns defensive back Brandon McDonald (22) defends during an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) catches a touchdown pass against Cleveland Browns defensive back Terry Cousin (25) in an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs for 7 yards as Cleveland Browns safety Mike Adams (20) and linebacker D'Qwell Jackson (52) move in during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning calls a play at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) is tackled by Cleveland Browns defensive back Terry Cousin (25) after a 15-yard run in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. Ward rushed for 101 yards on 10 carries but the Giants lost to the Browns 35-14. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress comes down in the end zone with a 3-yard touchdown catch as Cleveland Browns defensive back Terry Cousin (25) defends in the second quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning fires a pass past Cleveland Browns linebacker Alex Hall (96) to wide receiver Steve Smith in the second quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) rushes the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
ttNew York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) drops back to pass during a week 5 football game against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) celebrates a touchdown catch during a week 5 football game against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) scores a touchdown during a week 5 football game against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) rushes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) runs away from Cleveland Browns cornerback Sheldon Brown (24) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) attempts to make a catch during a week 5 football game against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) catches a pass in front of Cleveland Browns defensive back Buster Skrine (22) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) carries the ball as he jumps over Cleveland Browns running back Chris Ogbonnaya (25) and Cleveland Browns defensive back Buster Skrine (22) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Cleveland Browns linebacker Marcus Benard, right, tackles New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by Cleveland Browns nose tackle Ishmaa'ily Kitchen during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden (3) looks to pass as New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) rushes the passer during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants tight end Martellus Bennett (85) runs away from Cleveland Browns free safety Usama Young (28) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 41-27. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks over the defense before snapping the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by Cleveland Browns middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson (52), Craig Robertson (53) and Usama Young (28) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) applies pressure during a week 5 football game against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants tight end Martellus Bennett (85) breaks a tackle by Cleveland Browns linebacker Marcus Benard (58) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) catches a touchdown pass in front of Cleveland Browns cornerback Trevin Wade (26) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson (33) is tackled by New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants middle linebacker Chase Blackburn (93) falls to the ground after intercepting a pass in the endzone during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a catch over Cleveland Browns defensive back Marcus Burley (26) during a week 12 NFL football game on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) carries the ball during a week 12 NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) gets chased by Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah (90) during a week 12 NFL football game on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) catches a touchdown pass during a week 12 NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) catches a touchdown pass during a week 12 NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) catches a touchdown pass during a week 12 NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) runs the ball against Cleveland Browns defensive end Xavier Cooper (96) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks with Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) following a week 12 NFL football game on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
A look down the line of scrimmages the New York Giants take on the Cleveland Browns during a week 12 NFL football game on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
Austin Johnson (98)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) makes a catch during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Sterling Shepard (87)
Darius Slayton (86)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) makes a catch during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Darius Slayton (86)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Carter Coughlin (49)
New York Giants linebacker Cam Brown (47) attempts to block a field goal during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Logan Ryan (23), Dexter Lawrence (97)
Sterling Shepard (87),
Darius Slayton (86)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Devante Downs (52)
Julian Love (20)
Blake Martinez (54)
Austin Johnson (98)
Evan Engram (88)
While some teams must regularly stay up late, others seldom play under the lights. Jacksonville has appeared just once on Sunday Night Football, losing in 2008 to the Steelers. Miami has played only twice, while Buffalo, Tampa Bay, Tennessee and – in five days - Cleveland have three appearances. So, in flexing Dallas out of a Sunday night game for the first time, the league replaced the Cowboys with a team that will have 47 fewer appearances in the league's most-watched game.
Sunday night records can be measured two ways, and in neither one has the Giants fared particularly well.
The first is from 1978, which is when the Official NFL Record & Fact Book starts listing each team's Sunday record. The other is from 2006, which is the starting point used by the Elias Sports Bureau, the league's official statistician. But Elias counts any game that is part of the SNF "package" as a Sunday night game. The package includes season-opening games played on Thursday and Thanksgiving night.
The Giants' SNF package games include the openers in the seasons following their victories in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI – Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008 and Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012 – as well as their Thursday night games in 2016 in Philadelphia and Washington in 2017, the latter on Thanksgiving. It does not include their Thanksgiving night game in Denver in 2009, which Elias said was not part of the package.
Since 2006, the Giants are 13-22 (.371) in Sunday night package games (12-19, .387 only on Sunday nights).
Dallas' 27 victories are the most in those games during that time, followed by New England (22) and Pittsburgh (21). The Cowboys also have the most losses (23), with their NFC East rivals the Giants (22) and Philadelphia (18) directly behind them.
New Orleans's .700 winning percentage (14-6) is the league's highest, followed by Seattle's .688 (16-7-1) and Buffalo's .667 (2-1).
The Browns? They are seeking their first Sunday night victory after losing to Pittsburgh on Sept. 14, 2008 and the Rams on Sept. 22, 2019. Both of those games were in Cleveland, so the Browns will try to triumph for the first time in their initial Sunday night road game.
Many of the same teams appear on the lists that begin in 1978. Since then, the Giants are 22-30-1 overall on Sunday night, including 11-12 at home and 11-18-1 on the road.
Elias examined the games since 1978 that were played on Sunday and started at 7 p.m. EST or later and found these numbers:
Most games: Dallas (71), New England (54), Pittsburgh (54), Giants (53)
Most wins: Dallas (35), New England (32), Pittsburgh (29), Green Bay (29)
Most losses: Dallas (36), Giants (30), Chicago (26)
Highest Win Pct.: Miami (19-9, .679), Green Bay (29-16, .644), Seattle (26-16-1, .616)
Lowest Win Pct.: Cleveland (1-10, .091), Cincinnati (3-16, .158), Detroit/Tampa Bay (6-13, .316)
The Giants and Browns will both look to improve on their uninspiring Sunday night numbers when they meet this week in MetLife Stadium.
*For the second time in three weeks, the Giants will face an opponent that played the previous Monday night. Cleveland lost last night to Baltimore – the Giants' opponent next week – 47-42 in a wild and thrilling game. On Dec. 6, the Giants defeated a Seattle team that had won six days earlier in Philadelphia. Since 1990, the Giants are 13-18 against teams that played the previous Monday night.
*The Giants rushed for 78 yards in their loss to Arizona on Sunday. This season, they are 5-3 when they exceed 100 yards on the ground and 0-5 when they don't.
*None of Daniel Jones' 21 passes Sunday were intercepted, extending his streak to a career-long 121 consecutive throws without a pick. His previous long was 110 passes without an interception, from Nov. 4 to Dec. 1, 2019. That streak was ended by Green Bay's Kevin King.
*The Giants were outgained by 231 yards on Sunday, their largest disparity since Minnesota enjoyed a 279-yard advantage (490-211) on Oct. 6, 2019.
*In the last two weeks, the Giants had 100 net passing yards in their victory in Seattle and 81 in the loss to Arizona. It's the first time they've played consecutive games without more than 100 passing yards in either since Dec. 24-30, 2006, when they had 59 yards against Washington and 94 at Washington. The Giants were also 1-1 in those games.
*Cornerback James Bradberry is tied with Tampa Bay's Carlton Davis and Miami's Xavien Howard for the NFL lead with 17 passes defensed.
*Defensive lineman Leonard Williams is tied with Seattle safety Jamal Adams for eighth with 8.5 sacks and tied with the Ram's Aaron Donald for third with 24 quarterback hits.
*The Cardinals rushed for 159 yards on 43 carries, the highest totals by a Giants opponent since Dallas ran for 172 yards on Nov. 4, 2019 and Tennessee had 45 rushing attempts on Dec. 16, 2018.
*Sunday's meeting with Cleveland will be the 1,400th game in Giants history, including postseason games. Here is their record through the first 1,399 games:
Total: 725-641-33
Home: 402-298-16 (not including Super Bowls: 400-297-16)
Road: 323-343-17 (not including Super Bowls: 321-343-17)
*The Giants have played 1,350 regular-season games. They are 701-616-33 overall, including 388-288-16 at home and 313-328-17 on the road.
*Arizona's DeAndre Hopkins caught nine passes for 136 yards in the Cardinals' victory. The nine receptions were tied for the most by a Giants opponent this season; Washington running back J.D. McKissic had nine catches for 65 yards on Nov. 8. Hopkins' yardage total was the highest by a Giants opponent since Tampa Bay's Mike Evans had 190 receiving yards (on eight catches) on Sept. 22, 2019.
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