If you're waking up today, January 15, 2026, and scrolling through your sports apps to see what time the Dallas Cowboys take the field, I’ve got some tough news for you.
The short answer? No. The Cowboys do not play today.
In fact, the Cowboys aren't playing this weekend, either. While the NFL Divisional Round is heating up with matchups like the Bills at the Broncos and the Rams taking on the Bears, the star-clad helmets of Dallas are nowhere to be found in the postseason bracket.
It's a weird feeling for a fan base that’s used to at least the hope of a January run. But after a regular season that can only be described as a rollercoaster that went off the rails somewhere near the Texas-Oklahoma border, the Dallas Cowboys are officially in "wait until next year" mode.
Why the Dallas Cowboys Aren’t on the Schedule Today
The Cowboys' 2025-2026 campaign came to a screeching halt on January 4, 2026, in a finale against the New York Giants. While Dallas has historically dominated that rivalry—Dak Prescott entered that game with a ridiculous 14-game winning streak over the G-Men—the magic finally ran out.
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The Giants took that Week 18 matchup 34-17. It wasn't just a loss; it was a season-ending exclamation point that kept Dallas out of the Wild Card round.
Honestly, the "do the cowboys play today" search spikes every year around this time because the NFL playoffs are synonymous with big brands, and there is no bigger brand than Dallas. But this year, the postseason belongs to teams like the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, who both managed to secure top seeds while Dallas watched from the couch.
The Brian Schottenheimer Era and a Season of "What Ifs"
This season was supposed to be different. It was the first full year under head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who took over the reins with a lot of pressure to finally get this roster over the hump. We saw flashes of brilliance—like that Week 13 thriller where they knocked off the Kansas City Chiefs 31-28.
But consistency? It just wasn't there.
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One week they’re dropping 44 points on the Commanders, and the next, they’re getting dismantled by the Chargers at home. You can’t survive in the NFC East with that kind of volatility. When you look at the final standings, Dallas finished with a middling record that just wasn't enough to snag one of those three Wild Card spots.
The Reality of the 2026 NFL Playoff Bracket
To understand why the Cowboys are idle today, you have to look at who is playing. The NFC side of the bracket is currently dominated by the 14-3 Seattle Seahawks and an 11-win Chicago Bears team that surprised everyone.
- Wild Card Weekend Recap: We just saw the 49ers bounce the Eagles and the Rams take down the Panthers.
- Today’s Status: Since today is Thursday, the league is in a bit of a lull. The real action starts Saturday, Jan 17.
- The Matchups: We're looking at Buffalo vs. Denver and San Francisco vs. Seattle this coming Saturday.
For Dallas fans, seeing the 49ers and Eagles still active while their own team is discussing salary cap restructures is a bitter pill. It's especially tough considering Jerry Jones recently hinted at his "end-of-season" news conference that he’s ready to "bust the budget" to get back to the Super Bowl.
What’s Next: The 2026 Offseason Grind
Since the answer to do the cowboys play today is a resounding no, the focus for the front office has already shifted to the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency.
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There’s a lot of chatter in Frisco right now about wide receiver George Pickens. The Cowboys are reportedly looking at him as a potential unrestricted free agent target, but the math is tricky. Dallas is currently facing a situation where they need to clear roughly $30 million just to get under the projected 2026 cap of $305 million.
The "To-Do" List for Jerry Jones
- Restructure Dak Prescott: To free up space, they'll likely have to rework Dak’s deal, which could add a massive cap hit in the later years (think 2027-2031).
- The Micah Parsons Factor: Decisions on long-term defensive stability hinge on how they manage the superstar's contract.
- Draft Capital: They currently hold the No. 44 pick (which ironically belongs to the Jets now due to previous trades), so they'll need to be savvy with their remaining picks to fill holes in the secondary.
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. The Cowboys finished the season with a 4-1 record against the NFC East (before the Giants loss), showing they still have the talent to compete within the division. They just couldn't close the deal when the national spotlight was brightest.
Where to Watch the Remaining NFL Games
If you’re a football fan who just wants to see some high-stakes games—even if the Cowboys aren't involved—you’ve still got plenty of options. The Divisional Round will be broadcast across NBC, CBS, FOX, and ESPN/ABC.
- Saturday, Jan 17: Buffalo at Denver (CBS) followed by San Francisco at Seattle (FOX).
- Sunday, Jan 18: Houston at New England (ESPN) and LA Rams at Chicago (NBC).
Actionable Steps for Cowboys Fans
Instead of checking the TV guide for a game that isn't happening, here is how you can actually track the team's progress this week:
- Monitor the Salary Cap: Keep an eye on the "Top 51" rule. As of today, the Cowboys are over the limit and need to make moves before the new league year starts in March.
- Follow the Senior Bowl: It starts January 31 in Mobile, Alabama. This is where the Cowboys usually find those mid-round gems that keep the roster competitive.
- Review the Mock Drafts: Now that the Cowboys' pick position is locked, draft experts are beginning to link them to offensive line depth and interior defensive stars.
The 2025-2026 season might be over for Dallas, but the soap opera that is the "Cowboys Offseason" is just beginning. While the field at AT&T Stadium sits empty today, the war room at The Star is likely the busiest place in Texas.
Check back for the 2026 NFL schedule release in May to see exactly when the Cowboys will return to the field for the 2026-2027 season.