If you’re looking for the Dallas Cowboys game score, you probably want the bad news straight up. The Cowboys finished their 2025-2026 regular season with a 34-17 loss against the New York Giants on January 4, 2026.
It wasn't pretty. Honestly, it was a bit of a gut punch for a team that had glimpses of greatness earlier in the year.
The game, played at a chilly MetLife Stadium, served as the final chapter of a season that many fans would probably rather forget. Dallas ended the year with a record of 7-9-1. That tie earlier in the season against the Packers really stands out now, doesn't it? It left them second in the NFC East, trailing behind a dominant Philadelphia Eagles squad but ahead of the Commanders and Giants.
Breaking Down the Dallas Cowboys Game Score
The scoring started early, but Dallas couldn't maintain any real rhythm.
By the end of the first quarter, things actually looked decent. The Cowboys held a 10-6 lead thanks to a 14-yard touchdown run by Jaydon Blue and a short field goal by Brandon Aubrey. You could feel a bit of optimism in the air.
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Then the second quarter happened.
New York’s rookie quarterback, Jaxson Dart, started finding holes in the secondary. A 29-yard strike to Daniel Bellinger right before halftime swung the momentum entirely. Dallas went into the locker room trailing 16-10, and they never truly recovered.
Key Stats and Scoring Plays
- Final Score: Giants 34, Cowboys 17
- Jaydon Blue (DAL): 16 carries for 64 yards and 1 TD
- Jaxson Dart (NYG): 22/32 for 231 yards and 2 TDs
- Phil Mafah (DAL): 1-yard TD run in the 4th quarter
- Ben Sauls (NYG): 4-for-4 on field goals
One of the weirdest parts of the game was seeing Dak Prescott exit after halftime. He wasn't injured; the coaching staff just decided to pull him after he went 7-for-11 for 70 yards and lost a fumble. Joe Milton III took over for the rest of the game, and while he showed some flashes with his legs—including a 23-yard scramble—he also threw a costly interception to Bobby Okereke that basically sealed the deal.
Why This Score Matters for the Offseason
The 34-17 result isn't just a number in a win-loss column. It’s a catalyst for what is likely going to be a very loud offseason in Arlington. Brian Schottenheimer, who stepped into the head coaching role this season, is already facing questions about the team's lack of discipline late in games.
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Dallas racked up 9 penalties for 85 yards in this finale. You can't win like that. Not in the NFL.
The defense had its moments, specifically Jadeveon Clowney, who looked like a man possessed with three sacks. But the secondary got shredded by a rookie QB. That’s a massive red flag.
The Quarterback Situation
There is a lot of chatter about Dak’s future. Passing for over 4,500 yards this season is impressive—it’s actually the third-best in franchise history—but the lack of postseason football makes those stats feel a little hollow to the fan base. Seeing Milton get a full half of work suggests the front office might be looking at their options more seriously than they let on in public.
What's Next for the Cowboys?
Since the season is officially over, the focus shifts to the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency.
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Because of the 7-9-1 finish, Dallas will likely be picking in the middle of the first round. They need help on the offensive line and definitely some fresh blood in the secondary.
The 2026 opponents are already set, too. They’ll be facing eight teams that made the playoffs this year. It’s not going to get any easier.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Monitor the Coaching Staff: Keep an eye on the "Black Monday" fallout. While Schottenheimer is currently at the helm, the Dallas front office is notoriously unpredictable after a losing season.
- Draft Order Tracking: Watch the playoff results to see exactly where the Cowboys land in the draft order.
- Free Agency Focus: Look for news on CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Maintaining that receiving corps is vital if they want any chance of a bounce-back in 2026.
The score of the Dallas Cowboys game might be a 17-34 loss for now, but the real game is just beginning in the front office.