Look, being a Cowboys fan is basically a full-time job. Between the constant "America’s Team" hype and the inevitable January stress, you just want to know when to have the wings ready. If you are scouring the internet to figure out what time does dallas cowboys play sunday, the answer depends entirely on which Sunday we are talking about in this wild 2025-26 postseason cycle.
As of right now, January 17, 2026, the NFL world is locked into the Divisional Round. But here is the cold, hard reality for the Star: the Cowboys are not on the field this Sunday.
The Brutal Truth About the January 18 Schedule
If you were hoping to see Dak and company suit up for a Divisional Round showdown on Sunday, January 18, 2026, I have some bad news. After a regular season that saw them finish second in the NFC East, the Cowboys' postseason journey hit a massive wall.
While Ticketmaster and other secondary sites had "TBD" placeholders for an NFC Divisional game at AT&T Stadium for this Sunday, those events have been officially canceled. The Cowboys did not advance past the Wild Card round. Instead, the Sunday playoff slate looks like this:
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots: 3:00 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN)
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears: 6:30 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock)
It’s a tough pill to swallow. Just a few weeks ago, Dallas was fighting for the division lead, but a Week 18 loss to the New York Giants (34-17) at MetLife Stadium really took the wind out of their sails. They ended the regular season at 10-7, which was enough to get into the dance, but clearly not enough to survive it.
Why Everyone is Asking What Time Does Dallas Cowboys Play Sunday
The confusion usually stems from the "placeholder" culture of ticket sales. Sites like Vivid Seats or Ticketmaster often list "Home Game 2" or "NFC Divisional Game" months in advance. Fans see a date like Sunday, January 18, 12:00 p.m. at AT&T Stadium and mark their calendars.
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But in the NFL, nothing is guaranteed until the clock hits zero on Wild Card weekend. Since the Cowboys were bounced early, that 12:00 p.m. slot is gone. There is no game in Arlington this weekend. No Jerry World spectacle. Just a lot of "what ifs" and early looks at the 2026 draft board.
A Quick Look Back at the 2025 Regular Season Slump
The Cowboys' season was a bit of a roller coaster, honestly. Brian Schottenheimer took over the reins as head coach, and while the offense had flashes of brilliance, the defensive struggles—especially in critical late-season games—became the story. Losing to the Giants in the finale was the final red flag.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Season Opponents
Since they aren't playing this Sunday, the next time you'll actually need to ask what time does dallas cowboys play sunday will be in September 2026. The NFL won't release the official dates and times until May, but we already know who they are playing because of the league's rotation formula.
Because Dallas finished second in the NFC East, their 2026 strength of schedule looks pretty grueling. They’ll be playing nine home games this year (the NFC gets the extra home game in even-numbered years).
2026 Home Games at AT&T Stadium:
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- New York Giants
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Washington Commanders
- Arizona Cardinals
- San Francisco 49ers
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Tennessee Titans
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Baltimore Ravens
2026 Away Games:
- A trip to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers.
- A Texas showdown against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
- Matchups with the Rams, Seahawks, and Colts.
- The usual divisional road trips to Philly, D.C., and New York.
There is even some chatter about a game in Mexico City or potentially Melbourne, Australia. Jerry Jones loves a spectacle, so don't be surprised if one of those "home" games ends up being a 15-hour flight away.
How to Stay Updated on Kickoff Times
When the 2026 season eventually kicks off, the NFL usually follows a predictable pattern for Cowboys games. Because they pull such high TV ratings, they almost always land in the "Game of the Week" slot.
Basically, if they are playing on a Sunday, you can usually bet on a 4:25 p.m. ET (3:25 p.m. CT) kickoff on FOX or CBS. They also tend to max out their primetime allowance, meaning plenty of Sunday Night Football appearances on NBC at 8:20 p.m. ET.
If you're trying to plan your Sundays for the next season:
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- Download the NFL App: It’s the fastest way to get alerts for flex scheduling.
- Check the "Flex" Window: Remember that starting in Week 5, the NFL can move Sunday afternoon games to Sunday night to ensure better matchups.
- The Thanksgiving Staple: Dallas will play on Thursday, November 26, 2026. That is the one game where the time never changes—usually 4:30 p.m. ET.
Actionable Next Steps for Cowboys Fans
Since there is no game this Sunday, you might as well use the free time to prep for the offseason.
First, keep an eye on the NFL Scouting Combine in late February. With the Cowboys needing serious help on the defensive interior and potentially at wide receiver, the draft is where the 2026 season will be won or lost.
Second, watch the Senior Bowl on January 31. It’s being held at Hancock Whitney Stadium, and the Cowboys' front office historically puts a lot of weight on how players perform in those specific practices.
Finally, mark your calendar for the Schedule Release in mid-May. That is the day we will finally have a definitive answer for every single Sunday kickoff time for the 2026 season. Until then, you can safely turn off the TV this Sunday—unless you just want to watch the Texans and see what a playoff win looks like.