It is Saturday, January 17, 2026. If you’re waking up today, grabbing your lucky jersey, and searching for the Dallas Cowboys on TV today, I have some tough news to deliver. You won’t find Dak Prescott or CeeDee Lamb on your screen this afternoon.
The NFL Divisional Round kicks off today, but America's Team is watching from home.
Honestly, it's a bit of a gut punch for the fans who expected a deep run after a rollercoaster 2025 regular season. Instead of a trip to a Divisional matchup, the Cowboys are already looking toward the 2026 draft. While the Bills are fighting the Broncos and the 49ers are taking on the Seahawks, the lights at AT&T Stadium are dim.
Where Did the Season Go?
The 2025 season was... something. We saw massive wins, like that Thanksgiving nail-biter against the Kansas City Chiefs where Dallas pulled off a 31-28 victory. That game had everyone convinced this was the year. But then things got weird. A 17-34 loss to the Giants in the season finale on January 4 really sealed the deal on a disappointing finish.
The Cowboys ended the 2025 campaign with a 7-9-1 record. Yeah, that tie against Green Bay in Week 4 was a sign of the inconsistency to come.
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If you're looking for football today, here is what is actually happening:
- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos (4:30 p.m. ET on CBS)
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (8:00 p.m. ET on FOX)
It's weird not seeing the Star in the mix, especially with the 49ers—a team Dallas fans love to hate—still alive and kicking in the NFC bracket.
The 2026 Outlook and Who They Play Next
Since there isn't a game for the Dallas Cowboys on TV today, fans are already pivoting to "Draft Szn." Because they finished second in the NFC East, their 2026 opponents are already locked in, even if the dates aren't.
Basically, the 2026 schedule is going to be a gauntlet. They have to face the AFC South and the NFC West. That means games against the Texans, Colts, Jaguars, and Titans from the AFC. On the NFC side, they'll be dealing with the 49ers (again), the Rams, and the Seahawks.
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Home games at AT&T Stadium for 2026 will include:
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Washington Commanders
- New York Giants
- San Francisco 49ers
- Baltimore Ravens (Ouch)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It doesn't get much easier.
How to Watch the Rest of the Playoffs
Just because the Cowboys aren't playing doesn't mean you have to skip the couch time. The NFL has spread the Divisional Round across every major network. Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, features the Texans vs. Patriots at 3:00 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN) and the Rams vs. Bears at 6:30 p.m. ET (NBC).
If you've cut the cord, you're looking at Peacock for the NBC games and Paramount+ for the CBS broadcasts. NFL+ is still the go-to for mobile streaming, but it's always a bit of a hassle compared to just flipping on the big screen.
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Common Misconceptions About Today's Schedule
I've seen some folks online confused because they saw "Cowboys" listed on some old 2026 placeholder schedules. Those are just opponent lists, not confirmed playoff slots. The reality is that the NFC East only sent the Philadelphia Eagles to the postseason this year, and even they got bounced by the 49ers in the Wild Card round.
It’s a rare year where the NFC East is completely absent from the Divisional Round. Kinda crazy when you think about the hype coming into September.
What Fans Should Do Now
Since there’s no Dallas Cowboys on TV today, the move is to start scouting. The 2026 NFL Draft is where the hope lives now. Most analysts are pointing toward the offensive line or perhaps looking for more depth in the secondary.
Keep an eye on the Senior Bowl and the Combine coming up in February. While you're watching the Bills and Broncos today, pay attention to the trenches—that's where Dallas needs the most help to ensure they aren't sitting on the couch again this time next year.
To get ready for the 2026 season, you should:
- Review the 2026 home/away opponent list to plan your travel.
- Keep tabs on the coaching staff's status as the "Black Monday" fallout continues.
- Watch the NFC Championship on January 25 to see who represents the conference in Super Bowl LX.
The road to the 2026 season opener starts today, even if the Cowboys aren't the ones on the field.