You’re sitting there, remote in hand, or maybe just scrolling through your phone, wondering why the TV guide is looking a bit empty for America's Team. We've all been there. The high of the season, the stress of the fourth quarter, and then—silence. If you're looking for when are the dallas cowboys playing, the answer right now is a little bittersweet.
The Dallas Cowboys officially wrapped up their 2025-2026 regular season on January 4, 2026, with a tough 34-17 loss against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
Honestly, it wasn't the ending most of us hoped for. Finishing with a 7-9-1 record basically meant the playoffs were out of reach this time around. While teams like the 49ers and Seahawks are gearing up for the Divisional Round this coming weekend (January 17-18), the guys in Arlington are already looking toward the draft. It’s that weird limbo time where we trade jerseys for mock drafts and speculation.
When Are the Dallas Cowboys Playing Next?
So, if they aren't in the playoffs, when do we actually see them on the field again?
The short answer: August 2026.
The NFL typically releases the official preseason dates in May, but we know the drill by now. You’ve got the Hall of Fame game in early August, followed by three preseason matchups. Unless the Cowboys are selected for that opening exhibition in Canton, expect to see them back in action around the second week of August 2026.
Breaking Down the 2026 Opponents
Even though the specific dates and kickoff times won't drop until the spring, we already know who they are playing. The NFL's scheduling formula is basically a giant math equation that doesn't care about our feelings. Because the Cowboys finished second in the NFC East, their 2026 slate is set.
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Home Games at AT&T Stadium:
You'll be heading to Arlington to see the usual divisional suspects—the Giants, Eagles, and Commanders. But the 2026 home list is actually pretty spicy. We’ve got the San Francisco 49ers coming to town, which always feels like a playoff game even when it isn't. Plus, the Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, and Tennessee Titans are all scheduled to visit Jerry World.
Away Games on the Road:
Pack your bags if you're a traveling fan. The Cowboys will be heading to Philadelphia, New York, and Washington (obviously). But the real interesting trips are the ones to Houston for the battle of Texas, Indianapolis, Green Bay, Seattle, and a flight out to face the Los Angeles Rams.
The trip to Lambeau Field in Green Bay is always a toss-up with the weather. If it's late in the year, buy a better coat. Seriously.
Why the 2026 Schedule Matters More Than Usual
There is a lot of talk about the "rotation." Basically, the NFC East is matched up against the AFC South and the NFC West for the 2026 season. That’s why we’re seeing teams like the Colts and the Texans on the calendar.
It’s a tough draw.
The NFC West is notoriously a meat grinder. Having to play the 49ers, Rams, and Seahawks in the same year is a massive test for any roster, let alone one trying to bounce back from a losing season.
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The Key Dates You Need to Circle
Since there aren't any games to watch this Sunday, here is how the timeline actually looks for the fans who need their fix:
- Late February 2026: The NFL Scouting Combine. This is where the "playing" happens in pajamas. It’s when we see which college stars might actually look good in silver and blue.
- March 2026: Free Agency begins. This is usually when Cowboys fans get frustrated because the front office likes to "wait and see" while other teams go on a shopping spree.
- April 23-25, 2026: The NFL Draft. This is arguably the biggest day of the offseason.
- Mid-May 2026: The Full Schedule Release. This is when we finally find out if we’re playing on Thanksgiving (spoilers: we are) and how many primetime games we’re getting.
- Late July 2026: Training Camp starts. Usually in Oxnard, California. If you’re out west, that’s your first chance to see them in person.
The Reality of the 7-9-1 Finish
Look, the tie against the Packers back in September (that wild 40-40 overtime game) really set a weird tone for the year. We saw flashes of brilliance—like the 31-28 win over the Chiefs on Thanksgiving—but the consistency just wasn't there.
Dak Prescott put up some massive numbers in games like the Giants win (361 yards), but by the time we hit the finale in January, the team was starting Joe Milton III to see what the young guy could do. That 34-17 loss to the Giants wasn't just a loss; it was a signal that the 2025 chapter was closed for good.
Surprising Stats from the Last Season
If you were following closely, you noticed some weird shifts. CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens were carrying the bulk of the receiving load, often alternating 100-yard games. But the run game struggled to find a permanent identity after Williams' production fluctuated.
It’s easy to get caught up in the "fire everyone" mentality after a 17-loss finale, but the 2026 opponents actually offer a chance for a quick turnaround. Playing the AFC South means matchups against teams that are often in transition, though the Texans are currently a powerhouse.
What to Do While You Wait
It’s a long stretch between January and August.
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Most people think the offseason is "off," but for a Cowboys fan, it’s just a different kind of stress. You've got the draft rumors, the contract negotiations, and the inevitable "is this our year?" memes that start around June.
Honestly, the best thing to do is keep an eye on the injury reports coming out of the star. Seeing how the vets recover and who gets the franchise tag is going to tell us more about the 2026 season than any preseason game ever could.
The next time someone asks you when are the dallas cowboys playing, you can tell them that while the physical games are months away, the "game" of building the 2026 roster has already started. We’re in the scouting phase now.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the Draft Order: With a 7-9-1 record, the Cowboys will have a mid-round pick. Start looking at the top defensive tackle and offensive line prospects—that's likely where the focus will be.
- Monitor the Coaching Staff: Offseason changes usually happen fast in January. Keep an eye on the coordinator spots.
- Sync Your Calendar: The official 2026 schedule release usually happens the second week of May. That’s when you can actually book those flights to Seattle or Indianapolis.
The wait is long, but that first kickoff in August usually makes us forget the cold January exits. Sorta.