So, the 2025 season is officially in the rearview mirror, and if you’re a Cowboys fan, you’re probably still feeling that weird mix of "what if" and "here we go again." The team finished 7-9-1. Honestly, that tie against Green Bay in Week 4 was the kind of game that just defines the chaos of being a fan of this franchise. Now, as we look toward the 2026 cycle, figuring out the Dallas Cowboys schedule tv schedule is becoming more of a logistical puzzle than just turning on Channel 4 on a Sunday afternoon.
Between Netflix getting Christmas games and Amazon Prime owning Thursday nights, you basically need a spreadsheet and four different passwords just to see Dak Prescott take a snap. It's frustrating. We all miss the days when every game was on FOX or CBS, no questions asked.
The 2026 Opponents Are Set (And It’s Brutal)
Even though the NFL won't drop the official "when" until May, we already know the "who." Because of the league's rotational formula, the Cowboys are slated to face the AFC South and the NFC West in 2026. Since they finished second in the NFC East this past year, they also draw the second-place finishers from the AFC North, NFC South, and NFC North.
Basically, the path back to the playoffs looks like an uphill climb in the mud.
You’re looking at home games against the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens. Those aren't just "games"; they are physical tolls. Then you have to head on the road to play the Houston Texans in that intra-state rivalry that always feels a bit more personal than it should.
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Home Games at AT&T Stadium
- Philadelphia Eagles (The usual divisional headache)
- Washington Commanders (Dan Quinn’s group always plays them tough now)
- New York Giants (A rivalry that somehow stays weirdly competitive)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (Trevor Lawrence coming to Arlington)
- Tennessee Titans (A physical matchup)
- Baltimore Ravens (Good luck containing Lamar Jackson)
- Arizona Cardinals (The team that always seems to upset Dallas)
- San Francisco 49ers (The ultimate modern nemesis)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (A legacy NFC battle)
Road Warriors: The Away Slate
- Philadelphia Eagles (Lincoln Financial Field is never fun)
- Washington Commanders (A short trip to D.C.)
- New York Giants (MetLife Stadium in the cold)
- Green Bay Packers (Lambeau Field—enough said)
- Houston Texans (The battle for Texas bragging rights)
- Indianapolis Colts (Inside the dome)
- Seattle Seahawks (Lumen Field is still the loudest place on earth)
- Los Angeles Rams (SoFi Stadium usually turns into "AT&T West")
Navigating the Dallas Cowboys Schedule TV Schedule Mess
The biggest headache for fans right now isn't the roster—it's the remote. In 2025, we saw games on NBC, FOX, CBS, ESPN/ABC, Amazon Prime, and even Netflix for that Christmas Day win over the Commanders.
Expect 2026 to be even more fragmented.
If you’re trying to catch every game, you have to be strategic. FOX remains the primary home for the NFC, so most Sunday afternoon games will be there. However, CBS will grab a few when the Cowboys play AFC teams like the Ravens or Texans.
Then there’s the primetime "tax." The NFL loves putting Dallas in the spotlight because, love them or hate them, people watch. This means you’re guaranteed to see them on Sunday Night Football (NBC/Peacock) and Monday Night Football (ESPN/ABC).
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The Streaming Survival Kit
- Amazon Prime Video: You need this for Thursday Night Football. If the Cowboys are playing on a Thursday, it is almost certainly exclusive to Prime unless you live in the local Dallas-Fort Worth market.
- Peacock: NBC has been moving exclusive games here. Even if the game is on NBC, Peacock is the only way to stream it if you've cut the cord and don't have a digital antenna.
- Netflix: After the 2025 Christmas experiment, Netflix is a major player for holiday windows. Keep an eye on the schedule release in May to see if Dallas is stuck behind a Netflix paywall again.
- YouTube TV / NFL Sunday Ticket: This is the only way to see every out-of-market game. It’s expensive. It’s a commitment. But if you live in California or Florida and want to see the "regular" Sunday games, it’s the only legal path.
Why 2026 Feels Different
Dak Prescott is heading into another year with massive expectations. He was second in the league in passing yards in 2025, but the 7-9-1 record tells a story of a defense that couldn't stop a nosebleed in December. Brian Schottenheimer is still pulling the levers on offense, and the pressure is at an all-time high.
There's a real chance this is a "lame duck" year for the coaching staff if they don't produce a deep run.
The defense is the big question. We saw them get gashed by Detroit and Minnesota late in the year. The 2026 draft will likely focus heavily on edge rushers and cornerbacks because, frankly, the secondary was exposed.
Actionable Tips for the 2026 Season
Don't wait until September 1st to figure out how you're watching. The NFL schedule usually drops the second week of May. That is when you need to map out your subscriptions.
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Check your local listings. If you live in the DFW area, federal law usually requires that cable/streaming-only games (like Amazon or ESPN) are also broadcast on a local "over-the-air" station. You can save a lot of money with a simple $20 digital antenna.
Lastly, look for the "Bye Week." In 2025, it was Week 10. That's your one weekend of freedom. Use it.
To stay prepared for the kickoff, mark your calendar for the official schedule release in May, and audit your streaming services in August to avoid paying for months you don't need. Keep a close eye on the "flexible scheduling" window starting in Week 5, as the NFL can—and will—move Cowboys games into primetime with only 12 days' notice. By setting up a dedicated "sports" profile on your streaming devices now, you can ensure your DVR settings are ready to capture every snap regardless of which network is hosting.