You've probably spent the last twenty minutes aggressively cycling through your channel guide or refreshing sports apps, wondering what channel is Dallas on today. It is Sunday, January 18, 2026. The NFL Divisional Round is in full swing. The air is crisp, the stakes are sky-high, and yet, there is a giant star-shaped hole in the television schedule.
Honestly, it’s frustrating. You're ready for some Dak Prescott highlights or a CeeDee Lamb deep ball, but the guide just shows the Texans and the Patriots, followed by the Rams and the Bears. There’s a very specific, and somewhat painful, reason for that.
The Reality of the Cowboys Schedule Right Now
The Dallas Cowboys are not on any channel today because their 2025-2026 season officially ended on January 4, 2026.
If you were looking for what channel is Dallas on today, the answer is unfortunately "none." They didn't make the cut for the postseason this year. After a roller-coaster regular season, the Cowboys finished with a 7-9-1 record. The final blow came in Week 18 against the New York Giants. While Dak Prescott had a historic winning streak against New York going into that game—14 straight wins, to be exact—the Giants finally snapped it at MetLife Stadium.
That loss didn't just hurt the pride of "America's Team"; it effectively booked their vacations. While four other NFC teams are battling it out this weekend for a spot in the Conference Championships, the Cowboys are already looking toward the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Who is Playing Today Instead?
Since you've already got the snacks ready and the couch staked out, you might as well catch the games that are happening. The NFL Divisional Round is arguably the best weekend of football all year.
Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, features two massive matchups:
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots: This kicks off at 3:00 p.m. ET. You can catch this one on ABC and ESPN. If you're a cord-cutter, it’s also streaming on ESPN+.
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears: This is the primetime slot at 6:30 p.m. ET. This game is airing on NBC and streaming live on Peacock.
It’s a bit of a sting for Dallas fans to see the Texans—the "other" Texas team—moving deep into the playoffs while the Cowboys watch from home. But if you're looking for high-level football, the Rams-Bears game at Soldier Field is expected to be a defensive bloodbath.
Why the Confusion Happens Every Year
Every year around mid-January, search volume for "what channel is Dallas on today" spikes regardless of whether they are actually playing. It’s basically a cultural reflex at this point.
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Dallas is the most-watched team in the league. Even when they aren't playing, people assume they should be. The NFL often puts them in the late Sunday afternoon "America's Game of the Week" slot on FOX throughout the regular season, which builds a sort of muscle memory for fans. When the playoffs hit, the schedule shifts to a fixed bracket. If you aren't in the bracket, you aren't on the screen.
Common Misconceptions About the 2026 Playoffs
A lot of folks get confused by the "NFC" vs "AFC" designations. Dallas is in the NFC East. To be playing today, they would have had to win their Wild Card game last week. Instead, the NFC representatives remaining are the Seahawks, 49ers, Rams, and Bears.
What’s Next for the Dallas Cowboys?
Since the question of what channel is Dallas on today has a disappointing answer, the next logical question is: when will they be back?
The team is currently in an "evaluation phase." After finishing 7-9-1 under head coach Brian Schottenheimer, there is a lot of chatter in Frisco about roster stability. Here is what we know about the immediate future:
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- The Draft: Because of their losing record, Dallas has a significantly higher draft pick than they’ve had in recent years. They’ll be looking to bolster the defense, which struggled to contain division rivals late in the season.
- Roster Changes: The front office has a long list of pending free agents. Fans are keeping a close eye on how Jerry Jones handles the cap space for the 2026 season.
- 2026 Opponents: We already know who they will face next fall. They’ll have home games against the 49ers, Cardinals, and Jaguars, and tough road trips to Seattle and Green Bay.
Basically, the "channel" Dallas is on right now is the off-season news cycle. You'll find them on NFL Network segments discussing "What went wrong in Big D?" rather than live on FOX or CBS.
Actionable Next Steps for Displaced Fans
If you're bummed about the lack of a Cowboys game, don't let the Sunday go to waste.
- Check the Draft Order: Go to the official NFL site to see exactly where Dallas sits in the 2026 Draft. Understanding their "slot" makes the off-season scouting reports much more interesting.
- Watch the Texans: If you want to support a Texas team, the Texans-Patriots game at 3:00 p.m. ET is your best bet. It’s on ABC.
- Set a Calendar Alert: The 2026 NFL Schedule is usually released in mid-May. Mark your calendar now so you aren't left searching for channels next time the season kicks off.
- Review the Stats: Take a look at Dak Prescott’s 2025 performance metrics. Despite the team's record, his connection with CeeDee Lamb remained one of the most productive in the league, which provides a glimmer of hope for next September.
The Cowboys might be off the air for now, but in the NFL, the drama never actually stops—it just moves from the field to the front office.