So, you're looking for the channel. You've got the wings ready, the lucky jersey is out of the dryer, and you’re scouring the guide to see what channel is the cowboys game on today. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026. The NFL Divisional Round is officially kicking off, which usually means the big-market heavyweights are front and center.
But there’s a bit of a reality check coming for America’s Team.
If you’re scrolling through your cable box or frantically refreshing YouTube TV right now, you aren't going to find Dak Prescott or CeeDee Lamb on the schedule. The Dallas Cowboys are not playing today. In fact, their 2025-2026 season hit a wall a couple of weeks ago, leaving them on the outside looking in while the rest of the league fights for a spot in Super Bowl LX.
Where did the Cowboys go?
The Cowboys finished their regular season on January 4, 2026, with a trip to MetLife Stadium to face the New York Giants. While they managed to secure a 7-9-1 record—which, honestly, is a bit of a rollercoaster even by Dallas standards—it wasn't enough to survive the NFC playoff race. They finished second in the NFC East, but in a year where the wild card spots were incredibly competitive, that sub-.500 record just didn't cut it.
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Basically, the "Cowboys game today" is happening on a golf course or in a living room in Frisco, not on a gridiron.
What is actually on TV today?
Even though Dallas is out, today is actually one of the best football days of the year. The NFL Divisional Round is where the "real" season starts for many. Since you're already settled in, here is the actual TV schedule for Saturday, January 17:
Game 1: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
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- Kickoff: 4:30 PM ET
- Channel: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+
- The Vibe: Denver has been a juggernaut this year, holding the #1 seed in the AFC. Watching the Bills try to invade Mile High in mid-January is going to be brutal, cold, and high-stakes.
Game 2: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
- Kickoff: 8:00 PM ET
- Channel: FOX
- Streaming: FOX Sports App / FOX One
- The Vibe: This is a classic NFC West bloodbath. Seattle actually beat the Niners in Week 18 to clinch home-field advantage, so this is a revenge game for Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey.
Historical Irony: The "Blunder Bowl" Anniversary
Funny enough, if you are a Cowboys history buff, today is a significant day. January 17, 2026, marks the exactly 55th anniversary of Super Bowl V.
That game, played in 1971, featured the Dallas Cowboys against the Baltimore Colts. It’s famously known as the "Blunder Bowl" because both teams combined for 11 turnovers. Dallas lost 16-13 on a last-second field goal, but in a weird twist of fate, Cowboys linebacker Chuck Howley was named MVP. He remains the only player from a losing team to ever win the Super Bowl MVP trophy.
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So, while there isn't a live game today, you've got plenty of history to chew on while watching the Bills and Broncos battle it out.
Don't get confused by the "Other" Cowboys
If you see "Cowboys" listed on your sports app today, double-check the sport. The Wyoming Cowboys are actually in action tonight. They’re taking on Fresno State in a Mountain West college basketball matchup. That game tips off at 7:00 PM ET and is airing on the MW Network. If you’re desperate to cheer for any team with a star on the helmet (or a bucking horse), that’s your only live option.
How to prepare for the 2026 Cowboys Season
Since the 2025 campaign is officially in the rearview mirror, fans are already looking at the 2026 opponents. The NFL has confirmed who Dallas will play next season, even if the exact dates won't be out until May.
Next year, the Cowboys are slated to face the AFC South and the NFC West. That means games against the Houston Texans (the Battle of Texas!), the Indianapolis Colts, and a likely high-profile rematch with the San Francisco 49ers.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Stop searching for a channel: Save yourself the frustration; the NFL games today are on CBS and FOX, but Dallas isn't in them.
- Check the Draft Order: With a 7-9-1 record, Dallas will be picking in the middle of the first round. Start looking at mock drafts for offensive line depth or secondary help.
- Update your streaming apps: If you're watching today's actual playoff games, make sure your Paramount+ (for CBS) and FOX Sports logins are active before the 4:30 PM kickoff.
- Plan for 2026: If you're looking to attend a game at AT&T Stadium next fall, tickets generally start hitting the secondary market shortly after the schedule release in mid-May.
The "Cowboys game today" might be a myth, but the road to Super Bowl LX is very real, and it starts this afternoon in Denver.