Honestly, looking at the Dallas Cowboys statistics for today’s game feels like staring at a crime scene where the evidence just doesn't add up. If you’re checking the schedule for a kickoff right now, January 13, 2026, I’ve got some tough news. The Cowboys aren't playing. They’re home.
The 2025 season wrapped up with a thud in a 34-17 loss to the New York Giants on January 4th. That game basically summarized the entire year: flashes of brilliance buried under a mountain of inconsistency. Dallas finished with a 7-9-1 record. It’s the kind of record that makes you want to throw a remote through a TV, especially considering the talent on this roster. They didn't even make the Wild Card round. While the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers are battling it out in the playoffs today, Jerry Jones is likely already looking at draft boards.
The Reality of the Dallas Cowboys Statistics for Today’s Game
Most fans expected a deep run. They didn't get it. Dak Prescott actually had a statistically "fine" year, but fine doesn't win championships in Big D. He threw for 4,552 yards and 30 touchdowns. Sounds great, right? But the 10 interceptions and 31 sacks tell a different story. The offense often looked stuck in mud during the second half of games.
The ground game was supposed to be the anchor. Javonte Williams did his part, rushing for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns across 16 games. He was a bright spot. However, the depth behind him evaporated when it mattered most. By the time that Week 18 disaster against the Giants rolled around, Williams was on the sidelines with shoulder and neck issues.
Why the Defense Failed the Math Test
You can't talk about Dallas Cowboys statistics for today’s game without mentioning the defensive collapse. They gave up 59 touchdowns this season. Read that again. Fifty-nine. For a team that prides itself on "Doomsday" history, that’s embarrassing. The turnover ratio ended at a dismal -9. You aren't winning playoff games—or even getting to them—when you're giving the ball away more than you take it.
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The final game against the Giants was the nail in the coffin. Rookie Jaxson Dart carved up the Dallas secondary for a 110.2 passer rating. Bobby Okereke and the Giants' defense forced multiple turnovers while Dallas looked like they were already thinking about their vacation plans in Cabo.
Key Players and What the Numbers Actually Mean
It wasn't all bad news, though it sort of feels that way now. George Pickens proved to be a legitimate threat, earning a Pro Bowl nod. He caught 9 touchdowns and was often the only reason the passing game had any verticality.
- Dak Prescott: 404 completions on 600 attempts. 67.3% completion rate.
- Brandon Aubrey: The man is a machine. He made 36 of 42 field goals and was a 2nd-team All-Pro. He's arguably the most consistent player on the team.
- KaVontae Turpin: Still a weapon in the return game, though he’s breaking "unwanted records" for inconsistency in the receiving corps.
The offensive line was a revolving door. Tyler Smith and Tyler Booker played well when healthy, but the "when healthy" part is the kicker. Injuries to guys like T.J. Bass and the constant shuffling at tackle meant Dak was rarely comfortable. You could see it in his eyes by November. He was seeing ghosts.
The 2026 Outlook: Looking Ahead Instead of at the Field
Since there are no live Dallas Cowboys statistics for today’s game to track, we have to look at what's coming. The 2026 opponents list is already out, and it’s a gauntlet. Because they finished second in the NFC East, they get a second-place schedule. That means games against the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and Green Bay Packers.
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They also have to deal with the AFC South and the NFC West. If you think 7-9-1 was frustrating, 2026 isn't looking much easier. The front office has some massive decisions. Brian Schottenheimer’s play-calling was under fire all year. The defense needs a total identity shift.
Breaking Down the "Hidden" Stats
One thing nobody is talking about is the red zone efficiency. Or lack thereof. In the first half of the season, Dallas was converting red zone trips into touchdowns at a top-10 rate. By December, that plummeted. They settled for Brandon Aubrey field goals way too often. Aubrey is great, but three points don't beat the Eagles or the 49ers.
Also, look at the "explosive play" percentage. The Cowboys ranked in the bottom third of the league for plays over 20 yards in the final six weeks of the season. Teams figured out that if you take away the deep ball to Pickens and bracket CeeDee Lamb, the Dallas offense basically becomes a series of five-yard curls and frustrated check-downs.
What Should Fans Do Now?
If you were hoping to see the star on the helmet today, you're better off watching the film of the young guys. Phil Mafah, the rookie out of Clemson, scored in his pro debut against the Giants. He only had five carries, but he looked explosive. Jaydon Blue also showed flashes. The future might be in these younger, cheaper legs if Javonte Williams moves on in free agency.
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Keep an eye on the coaching carousel. With the Cowboys eliminated, rumors are swirling about staff changes. The defense, in particular, needs a specialist who can fix a unit that allowed over 4,500 passing yards this year.
Actionable Steps for Cowboys Fans Today:
- Review the Draft Order: Dallas is currently slated for a mid-round pick. Start looking at defensive tackle prospects; they desperately need a run stuffer.
- Watch the Salary Cap: With Dak's massive contract and CeeDee Lamb's requirements, the front office is going to have to cut some veterans.
- Monitor the Injury Recovery: Track the progress of DeMarvion Overshown and Shavon Revel. Both ended the year with concussions and are vital for the 2026 defensive rebuild.
The stats don't lie, even if they hurt to read. Dallas has the components of a winner, but the 2025 season proved that "paper champions" don't get to play in January.