So, you're looking for the answer to when are the cowboys playing today because you've probably noticed that tracking NFL schedules lately feels like trying to solve a Rubik's cube in the dark. Between the move to streaming-only games on Amazon and Netflix and the league's obsession with "flexible scheduling," knowing if America's Team is actually taking the field involves more than just checking a paper calendar.
Checking the schedule is the first thing every Dallas fan does on a Thursday or Sunday morning. It’s a ritual. You grab your coffee, check the spread, and hope Dak Prescott’s hamstrings are feeling alright.
But here’s the thing: today is Thursday, January 15, 2026. If you're looking for a game right this second, you’re looking at the NFL postseason landscape. The regular season wrapped up just over a week ago. We are deep in the hunt for the Lombardi Trophy. For the Dallas Cowboys, the schedule depends entirely on their seeding and whether they survived "Super Wild Card Weekend."
The Reality of the Cowboys Postseason Schedule
Unless they secured the number one seed in the NFC—which gives them a first-round bye—the Cowboys usually play their opening playoff game during that chaotic three-day window of Wild Card games.
If Dallas is playing today, January 15, it would be a highly unusual Thursday night playoff slot, which the NFL rarely utilizes unless there’s a massive scheduling shift. Typically, playoff games are reserved for Saturdays, Sundays, and the occasional "Monday Night Football" playoff finale.
You’ve got to check the official NFL bracket. If they won their Wild Card matchup last weekend, they’re currently preparing for the Divisional Round, which takes place this coming Saturday and Sunday.
Football schedules are fickle.
One minute you think you’re settled in for a 1:00 PM ET kickoff (the "early window"), and the next, the NFL flexes the game to Sunday Night Football because Jerry Jones knows how to sell commercial airtime better than anyone in history. It’s frustrating.
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Where to Watch if They Are On
If the Cowboys are on your TV today, you’re likely looking at one of the major broadcasters.
- FOX: Usually holds the rights to most NFC games. If it’s a standard Sunday afternoon, this is your best bet.
- CBS: Occasionally picks up "cross-flexed" games to balance out the viewership numbers.
- NBC: Reserved for the glitz of Sunday Night Football.
- ESPN/ABC: The home of Monday Night Football.
- Streaming: This is where it gets messy. Prime Video handles Thursdays, but for the playoffs, you’re looking at Peacock or even Netflix depending on the specific deal struck for the 2025-2026 season.
Why "When are the Cowboys Playing Today" is a Trick Question
Honestly, the "Cowboys schedule" is a bit of a moving target.
In the 2025 season, we saw more schedule volatility than ever. The NFL has basically told fans that "standard" kickoff times are a suggestion, not a rule. If you're asking about the game today, you also need to be aware of the "No-Sabbath" rule where the league has increasingly pushed games into non-traditional windows to capture the international market.
Did you know the Cowboys are one of the most "flexed" teams in history?
Because the Dallas market is so massive—and the "haters" watch just as much as the fans—the networks fight over them. If a game was originally scheduled for the afternoon but both teams are over .500, expect NBC to swoop in and move that kickoff to 8:20 PM ET.
The Time Zone Trap
If you are living in Dallas, you're on Central Time. But the NFL operates on Eastern Time for all its national branding. If you see "8:00 PM" on a graphic, and you're sitting in Arlington, you better be in your seat by 7:00 PM. I’ve seen people miss entire first quarters because they forgot the East Coast bias of sports broadcasting.
Don't be that person.
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Check the local AT&T Stadium listings if they're at home. Traffic in Arlington near Division Street is a nightmare on game day. If you aren't in your parking spot three hours before kickoff, you’re basically watching the game from your car.
Understanding the NFC East Standings and Impact
The Cowboys don't play in a vacuum. When they play and how much the game "matters" usually comes down to what the Philadelphia Eagles or the New York Giants did the night before.
If you're asking about the game today to see if it's a "must-win," look at the loss column. In the 2025-2026 cycle, the NFC East remained one of the most competitive divisions in football. A Thursday night or Saturday game in January isn't just about a box score; it's about home-field advantage.
Injuries to Watch Before Kickoff
You can't talk about a Cowboys game day without checking the inactive list. This usually drops about 90 minutes before the ball is teed up.
- The Offensive Line: Keep an eye on the left tackle. If the blindside isn't protected, the schedule doesn't matter because the game will be over by the second quarter.
- Micah Parsons: The heartbeat of the defense. If he’s limited, the Cowboys' "playing today" status becomes a lot more stressful for the fan base.
- The Kicker: Historically, Dallas has had a roller coaster with special teams. Check the pre-game warm-up reports to see if the wind at the stadium is playing havoc with field goal attempts.
How to Stream the Cowboys Game Without Cable
Look, cable is dying. We all know it. If you’re trying to figure out when are the cowboys playing today so you can find a stream, you have a few legal options that don't involve sketchy pop-up ads.
YouTube TV is the heavyweight here. It’s expensive, but it has the "Sunday Ticket" integration which is basically a requirement if you’re a Cowboys fan living outside of Texas. If you're in the Dallas market, a simple digital antenna actually works wonders. You get the game in 4K (sometimes) for free.
FuboTV is another solid choice because it carries the local Fox and CBS affiliates.
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NFL+ is the league's own app. It’s great for mobile, but it won't let you cast to your big screen for most live local games. It’s a "watch on the bus" kind of solution.
The "America's Team" Tax
There is a literal cost to being a Cowboys fan. Because the team is so popular, their games are often placed behind premium paywalls. For example, if they play a special holiday game or an international London game, you might find yourself needing a specific subscription like Disney+ or ESPN+ just for that one day.
It’s annoying. I get it.
But that's the price of following a team that generates the highest ratings in the sport. The networks know you’ll pay the $10 subscription fee just to see CeeDee Lamb make a one-handed grab in the endzone.
What If There Is No Game Today?
If you've checked the official sources and realized the Cowboys aren't actually playing today, January 15, don't worry. This is the "preparation" phase of the playoffs.
This is when you watch the "All-22" film. This is when you listen to the local Dallas sports radio (The Ticket is the gold standard) to hear the coaches' press conferences. In Dallas, football isn't just a Sunday thing. It's a 365-day-a-year obsession.
Actionable Steps for Today:
- Verify the Kickoff: Open the official Dallas Cowboys app. It is the only source that updates in real-time for flex scheduling.
- Check the Weather: If they are playing away—say, in Philly or New York—weather is a massive factor. AT&T Stadium has a roof, but the rest of the NFC East doesn't.
- Update Your Apps: If the game is on a streaming service like Peacock or Prime, update the app now. Don't wait until 5 minutes before kickoff only to be met with a "1.2 GB Update Required" screen.
- Monitor the Inactive List: Set a timer for 90 minutes before the scheduled kickoff. That is when the official "Inactives" are posted. If a key starter is out, the betting lines will shift, and so should your expectations.
- Locate the Channel: Use a site like 506 Sports. They produce weekly color-coded maps that show exactly which parts of the country are getting which games. It is an essential tool for any out-of-market fan.