You're sitting on the couch, wings are getting cold, and you’re frantically scrolling through a cluttered cable guide or a buggy streaming app. It happens every Sunday. If you're wondering how do I watch the Cowboys game today, you aren't alone—America’s Team is notoriously difficult to track because they bounce between three different networks and multiple streaming platforms depending on the week.
Cowboys fans deal with a unique struggle. Because Dallas is a massive draw, the NFL and its broadcast partners—Fox, CBS, NBC, and ESPN/ABC—constantly shuffle them into the "Game of the Week" or primetime slots.
The Local TV Basics vs. Out-of-Market Woes
Most fans think they can just flip to Fox. Usually, they're right. Fox owns the rights to the majority of NFC games, and since the Cowboys reside in the NFC East, they are a staple on your local Fox affiliate. However, if they are playing an AFC team like the Chiefs or the Bengals, the game might migrate over to CBS.
It gets tricky if you live in, say, Seattle or New York. If the Cowboys are playing in the 1:00 PM ET slot, but your local team is playing at the same time, the local station will always prioritize the home team. This is the dreaded "blackout" logic, though it’s technically just a regional broadcast choice. You’ll need to check the 506 Sports broadcast maps—these are updated every Wednesday and show exactly which parts of the country get which games. Honestly, it's the only way to be 100% sure before you wake up on Sunday morning.
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Streaming the Cowboys Without Cable
Cable is dying, we know. If you’ve cut the cord, your best bet for the standard Sunday afternoon window is a live TV streaming service. YouTube TV, FuboTV, and Hulu + Live TV all carry Fox and CBS.
Fubo is particularly popular for sports fans because it often includes regional sports networks, though for the NFL, that matters less than having the majors. If the game is on CBS, you can actually stream it quite cheaply via Paramount+. You just need the "Essential" plan to see the live NFL on CBS feed, provided the game is being broadcast in your local market.
What About Primetime and Exclusive Windows?
The "how do I watch the Cowboys game today" question changes significantly if it’s a Thursday, Sunday, or Monday night.
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- Thursday Night Football: This is strictly an Amazon Prime Video affair. You won't find it on traditional cable unless you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth market or the city of the opposing team, where local stations are required by the NFL to broadcast it over the air.
- Sunday Night Football: This belongs to NBC. You can watch it on your local NBC station, or stream it live on Peacock. Peacock has become a must-have for Cowboys fans lately, especially with the NFL pushing more exclusive content there.
- Monday Night Football: ESPN is the home here, but frequently, the game is simulcast on ABC. If you don't have cable, you can stream ESPN through the ESPN app if you have a provider login, or through a service like Sling TV (Orange package).
The Sunday Ticket Factor
If you live outside of Texas and want to guarantee you never miss a snap, NFL Sunday Ticket is the only "official" way to get every out-of-market game. Now hosted on YouTube TV, it’s pricey. We’re talking several hundred dollars a season.
Is it worth it?
If you're a die-hard who needs to see every holding call on Tyler Smith, yes. But wait for the mid-season sales. YouTube often slashes the price by 50% once we hit November.
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Why You Should Care About NFL+
There is a cheaper, often overlooked option called NFL+. It’s a mobile-only service. Basically, for a few bucks a month, you can watch any game that is "local" to you on your phone or tablet. You can't cast it to your TV, which is a major bummer, but if you’re stuck at a kid’s soccer game or working a shift, it’s a lifesaver. It also gives you the radio broadcast, which—let’s be real—sometimes Brad Sham’s voice is better than the TV announcers anyway.
Technical Glitches and How to Fix Them
Nothing ruins a game like a "buffering" wheel right as Dak Prescott is leading a two-minute drill. If your stream is lagging, the first thing to do is hardwire your device. Use an Ethernet cable. Wi-Fi is great until everyone in your neighborhood starts streaming 4K football at the exact same time.
Also, check your location settings. Streaming services use your IP address to determine which "local" game to show you. If you’re using a VPN, your service might think you’re in Chicago when you’re actually in Dallas, blocking you from the game you want. Turn off the VPN or set it to a server in the Dallas area to resolve the conflict.
The International Perspective
If you’re a fan traveling abroad or living in the UK, Mexico, or beyond, the rules change. Game Pass International is now handled through DAZN. It’s actually a better deal than what we get in the states because it doesn’t have the same blackout restrictions. You get every single game, including the Super Bowl, on one platform.
Actionable Steps for Today's Kickoff
Stop guessing and follow this checklist to ensure the game is on your screen before the coin toss:
- Confirm the Network: Check the official Cowboys schedule on DallasCowboys.com or the NFL app to see if it’s Fox, CBS, NBC, ESPN, or Prime Video.
- Verify Local Availability: If it’s a Sunday afternoon game, use a site like 506 Sports to see if your region is actually getting the Cowboys broadcast or a different regional matchup.
- Check Your Logins: If you're using an app like Paramount+ or Peacock, log in 15 minutes early. These apps love to force "important updates" or password resets at the worst possible moments.
- Prepare a Backup: Have the NFL app or a radio app like 105.3 The Fan ready on your phone. If the power goes out or the internet fails, you can still follow the action via the airwaves.
- Antenna Check: If you're using a digital antenna for free over-the-air HD, re-scan your channels. Weather and atmospheric changes can occasionally drop your local Fox or CBS signal.