If you’re frantically scrolling through your program guide or refreshing your sports apps wondering what channel is Dallas Cowboys game tonight, I have some news that might sting a little. You can put the remote down. There isn’t a game.
It’s Sunday, January 18, 2026, and while the NFL Divisional Round is currently in full swing, the Dallas Cowboys are nowhere to be found on the playoff bracket. Honestly, after the way the 2025 regular season wrapped up, most fans in North Texas have already transitioned from "Super Bowl hopes" to "draft board scouting."
The Cowboys officially finished their 2025 campaign with a 7-9-1 record. Their season ended a couple of weeks ago with a thumping at the hands of the New York Giants—a 34-17 loss that basically served as the final nail in the coffin. Because they didn't make the postseason, there is no "tonight's game" to tune into.
The Reality of the January 18 Schedule
Tonight is strictly for the teams that actually survived the Wild Card round. If you were hoping to see Dak Prescott or CeeDee Lamb under the lights, you're unfortunately a few months early for next season or a few weeks late for this one.
Instead of the Silver and Blue, here is what is actually taking over your TV screen tonight:
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots: This AFC showdown kicked off earlier today at 3:00 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN.
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears: This is the primetime slot. If you’re looking for football right now, this is it. It’s airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock at 6:30 p.m. ET.
It’s weird not seeing the Star in the divisional round, especially given the talent on this roster, but the math doesn't lie. A sub-.500 record doesn't get you a seat at the table in January.
📖 Related: LA Rams Home Game Schedule: What Most People Get Wrong
Why What Channel Is Dallas Cowboys Game Tonight Is a Popular Question
People ask this because, let’s be real, the Cowboys are the biggest draw in sports. Even when they’re bad, people expect them to be on. We’ve been conditioned to see them in the "America’s Game of the Week" slot so often that it feels like a glitch in the matrix when they aren't there.
The 2025 season was a rollercoaster that mostly stayed on the downhill part. From that heartbreaking tie against the Packers to the blowout losses against the Ravens and Broncos, the consistency just wasn't there.
Breaking Down the 2025 Failures
You can't point to just one thing. The defense, which looked world-class at times, completely fell apart in the final month. They allowed 30+ points in three of their last five games. When you’re giving up that much ground to divisional rivals like the Giants and Commanders, you aren't going to be playing football in mid-January.
Also, the injury bug bit hard. We saw key starters drifting in and out of the lineup, and the run game never really found its rhythm.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Since you won't be finding the Cowboys on any channel tonight, the best we can do is look at what's coming. The 2026 opponents have already been finalized. While we don't have the specific dates yet (the NFL usually drops that schedule in May), we know who is coming to AT&T Stadium.
👉 See also: Kurt Warner Height: What Most People Get Wrong About the QB Legend
The 2026 schedule is going to be a gauntlet. Because of the rotational algorithm the NFL uses, Dallas has to face the AFC South and the NFC West next year.
Home Games at AT&T Stadium:
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Washington Commanders
- New York Giants
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Tennessee Titans
- Baltimore Ravens
- Arizona Cardinals
- San Francisco 49ers
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Away Games:
- Green Bay Packers
- Houston Texans
- Indianapolis Colts
- Seattle Seahawks
- Los Angeles Rams
- Plus the usual NFC East road trips.
That is a "second-place" schedule that feels suspiciously like a first-place one. Facing the 49ers, Ravens, and Packers in the same year is a tall order for a team that just finished under .500.
How to Watch the Rest of the Playoffs
If you’re a football junkie and just want to watch any game, even if it’s not Dallas, you have plenty of options. The path to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is getting narrow.
✨ Don't miss: Juan Carlos Gabriel de Anda: Why the Controversial Sportscaster Still Matters
Next Sunday, January 25, the Conference Championships will air. The AFC Championship will be on CBS at 3:00 p.m. ET, and the NFC Championship will follow on FOX at 6:30 p.m. ET. If the Rams or Bears win tonight, they’ll be heading to that NFC title game.
As for the Super Bowl? That’s scheduled for February 8, 2026, on NBC.
Actionable Next Steps for Cowboys Fans
Stop checking the TV guide for the Cowboys for at least the next seven months. Instead, focus on the following to stay ahead of the curve for the 2026 season:
- Monitor Coaching Changes: With the 2025 season being a disappointment, the seat under the coaching staff is likely scorching hot. Expect news out of Frisco regarding staff adjustments before the scouting combine in February.
- Free Agency Window: The NFL league year begins in March. This is where the Cowboys have to fix the defensive interior and find a consistent secondary scoring threat to help CeeDee Lamb.
- Draft Prep: Dallas will have a relatively high pick compared to recent years. Start looking at mock drafts targeting offensive line depth and defensive tackle.
- Clear Your Calendar for May: That’s when the official 2026 schedule with times and channels will actually be released.
You won't find the Cowboys on your TV tonight, but the road back to January starts with the moves the front office makes in the next eight weeks.