So, you’re looking for the Dallas Cowboys score now and probably seeing a whole lot of nothing on the live ticker. That’s because the season is over. Kaput. Honestly, the way it ended on January 4, 2026, against the New York Giants, most fans were ready to look away anyway.
The final score was 34-17, a loss that felt like a microcosm of a weird, frustrating 7-9-1 season.
What Happened to the Score?
If you're checking the score today, January 17, 2026, you won't find a live game. The Cowboys didn't make the playoffs. While the rest of the league is battling it out in the divisional round this weekend, Jerry Jones is back in Frisco probably staring at a spreadsheet and a very large glass of something expensive.
Missing the postseason for a second straight year hurts.
It’s especially stinging because Dak Prescott actually put up massive numbers. He finished the 2025 campaign with 4,552 yards and 30 touchdowns. On paper? Elite. On the field? It didn't translate to enough wins. The defense was the real anchor, and not the good kind. They gave up nearly 30 points a game, which is why defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus was shown the door almost immediately after the Week 18 collapse at MetLife Stadium.
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Breaking Down That Final 34-17 Score
Let’s talk about that last game because it tells you everything you need to know about why there's no game today.
- The Early Lead: Dallas actually looked okay early on. Brandon Aubrey—who is basically the only reliable part of this team right now—hit a field goal, and Jaydon Blue ripped off a 14-yard touchdown run. They were up 10-6 in the first.
- The Collapse: Then the wheels fell off. Jaxson Dart, the Giants' young signal-caller, started carving up a secondary that looked like it had never seen a post route before.
- The Joe Milton Experiment: In the fourth quarter, with the game slipping away, we saw Joe Milton III under center. He’s got a cannon for an arm, but he threw a late interception to Bobby Okereke that iced the game.
Seeing 17-34 on the scoreboard against a Giants team that only had three wins coming into that game? That was the breaking point for most of the fan base.
The 2026 Offseason: What Now?
Since the Dallas Cowboys score now is settled at 0-0 until August, the focus shifts to the "All-In" reset Jerry Jones mentioned. They are currently about $34 million over the salary cap. That is a massive problem.
Expect some familiar faces to disappear. Guys like Terence Steele and Malik Hooker are being talked about as potential cap casualties. Even Logan Wilson, who was brought in to stabilize the linebackers, might be on the chopping block after a lackluster half-season.
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But there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
Players to Build Around
- George Pickens: He was a monster this year. 93 catches, over 1,400 yards. He’s the undisputed WR1.
- Javonte Williams: He hit 1,201 rushing yards and 11 scores. He’s the engine of that backfield.
- Brandon Aubrey: You don't usually build around a kicker, but when a guy scores 155 points in a season, you keep him happy.
What Most People Get Wrong About the 2025 Record
The 7-9-1 record looks mediocre, but the "1" in that record—the tie against Green Bay back in September—is actually what killed their momentum early. If they win that game, maybe the locker room vibes are different in November.
Also, Jadeveon Clowney actually had a career year with 8.5 sacks. People think the pass rush was non-existent, but it was really the middle of the defense and the secondary that crumbled.
Next Steps for the Cowboys
The schedule for 2026 is already out, and it’s a gauntlet. They play the AFC South and the NFC West. That means games against the Texans, 49ers, and Rams.
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If you're a fan, here is what you should be watching for over the next few weeks:
- The DC Search: Who replaces Eberflus? They need someone who can fix the run defense, which was 28th in the league.
- Free Agency: Will they keep Javonte Williams? He's a pending free agent and the heartbeat of the offense.
- The Draft: Look for Dallas to go heavy on defensive line or cornerback in the first round.
The score might be zero right now, but the stakes for this spring are higher than they’ve been in a decade. Jerry is 83. The window for Dak is closing. The "now" isn't about points on a board; it's about whether this front office can finally stop treadmilling in the middle of the pack.
Next Steps for Fans:
Keep an eye on the official team transactions starting in March. The first domino to fall will likely be a major contract restructure for Dak Prescott to clear that $34 million cap deficit. Once that's done, we'll see if the "dramatic difference" Jerry promised is real or just more big-talk from the Star.