If you woke up today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, and started frantically searching for dallas cowboys game on what channel today, I’ve got some news that might sting a little. Honestly, it’s the kind of news Dallas fans have grown all too accustomed to over the last few decades.
The Cowboys aren't playing.
They aren't on FOX. They aren't on CBS. They aren't even tucked away on a streaming service like Peacock or Amazon Prime. While the NFL Divisional Round is currently in full swing with some massive matchups, America’s Team is already two weeks into their offseason.
What Happened to the Cowboys?
The regular season ended back on January 4, 2026, with a pretty demoralizing loss to the New York Giants. That game basically slammed the door on any postseason hopes. Dallas finished the year with a lackluster 7-9-1 record. Because they failed to clinch a Wild Card spot or win the NFC East, their season effectively ended the moment the clock hit zero at MetLife Stadium.
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It’s a weird feeling, right? Usually, by mid-January, we're either celebrating a rare playoff win or dissecting a heartbreaking late-game collapse. This year, the collapse happened much earlier. Instead of a dallas cowboys game on what channel today, the conversation in Dallas has shifted entirely to the NFL Draft and whether the front office is going to make major coaching changes.
Who IS Playing Today?
Just because the Cowboys are sitting on the couch doesn't mean there isn't great football to watch. Since it's Divisional Round Sunday, the schedule is actually packed with the teams that managed to survive the Wild Card round.
If you just need a football fix, here is who you can watch today:
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- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots: This AFC showdown kicks off at 3:00 PM ET. You can catch this one on ABC and ESPN. It’s a battle of the young guns versus the established system, and honestly, the Texans have been playing some of the most exciting football in the league lately.
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears: This is the nightcap for the NFC, starting at 6:30 PM ET. This game is airing on NBC.
If you were hoping to see Dak Prescott or CeeDee Lamb, you're out of luck. But if you want to see the teams that are actually in the hunt for Super Bowl LX, those are your two windows for today.
The 2026 Outlook: When Do the Cowboys Play Again?
Since there’s no dallas cowboys game on what channel today, fans are already looking at the 2026 opponents list that was recently finalized. The NFL won't release the official "schedule" with dates and times until May, but we know exactly who they’ll be playing.
It’s not looking like an easy road back to the playoffs. Dallas is slated to face some heavy hitters next season, including the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, and the Kansas City Chiefs. They’ll also have their usual home-and-away series against the Eagles, Giants, and Commanders.
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There’s also some buzz about a potential international game. Word is the Cowboys might be headed to Mexico City for a "home" game in 2026, which would certainly change the travel dynamic for the team.
Actionable Steps for Cowboys Fans Today
Since you can't watch the game, here is how you can actually spend your Sunday if you still want to stay connected to the team:
- Check the Draft Order: With a 7-9-1 record, Dallas is sitting on a decent first-round pick. Start looking at mock drafts to see which offensive linemen or defensive tackles might be available to help fix the trenches.
- Monitor the Coaching Carousel: Brian Schottenheimer and the rest of the staff are under a microscope. Keep an eye on local Dallas sports news for any announcements regarding staff "parting ways" or new hires.
- Watch the Competition: Watch the Rams and Bears game tonight. These are the teams Dallas has to leapfrog next year if they want to be playing on January 18 instead of watching from home.
The hunt for a dallas cowboys game on what channel today ends in a bit of a dry well this year. It's a bummer, but that's the reality of a sub-.500 season. Enjoy the playoff games that are actually on, and keep your fingers crossed that next January is a lot more stressful for the right reasons.