You’ve got the chips. The beer is cold. You might even be wearing that lucky Dak Prescott jersey that hasn't seen a washing machine since November. But as you click through the guide on your remote, there’s a problem. No Star. No silver helmets. If you're frantically searching for what channel is the cowboys playing on, I have some bad news that’s going to sting a little: they aren't playing.
The Dallas Cowboys officially wrapped up their 2025-2026 season on January 4, 2026.
It was a rough outing at MetLife Stadium against the New York Giants. Dallas lost 34-17, ending the season with a lackluster 7-9-1 record. Because they missed the playoffs, they aren't part of the Divisional Round action happening this weekend (January 17-18). While teams like the 49ers, Seahawks, and Rams are fighting for a spot in the NFC Championship, the Cowboys are already in "wait until next year" mode. It's the classic Dallas cycle. Hope, heartbreak, and an early January vacation.
Why the Cowboys aren't on Fox or CBS right now
Usually, if it’s a Sunday in January, you expect to see the Cowboys in a high-stakes battle. This year, the math just didn't work. To find out what channel is the cowboys playing on during the postseason, a team actually has to, you know, make the postseason.
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Dallas finished second in the NFC East, but their record wasn't strong enough to snag a Wild Card spot. The Philadelphia Eagles took the division, and the Wild Card slots went to teams with more consistency down the stretch. Basically, the Cowboys' season was a rollercoaster that ran out of track. They had some bright spots—like that thrilling Thanksgiving win over the Chiefs on CBS—but the wheels came off in December.
Losses to the Vikings and Chargers in the final weeks effectively killed their chances. By the time they played the Commanders on Christmas (which was on Netflix, of all places), the writing was pretty much on the wall.
Where did the 2025-2026 season go wrong?
Looking back at the broadcast schedule, you could almost track the team's decline by which networks were picking them up. They started strong on NBC against the Eagles in Week 1. They were a fixture on FOX for most of the mid-season. But as the "7-8-1" record started to look permanent, the national hype faded.
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- The Tie: That 40-40 tie against the Packers in Week 4 was a sign of things to come.
- The Prime Time Slump: They lost heavily on Amazon Prime Video against the Lions in early December.
- The Quarterback Situation: While Dak had his moments, the offense struggled to find a rhythm when it mattered most.
Looking ahead: What channel will the Cowboys be on in 2026?
Even though the current season is over, we already know who the Cowboys will play in the 2026-2027 season. The NFL uses a specific rotation, so even though the dates aren't set until May, the opponents are locked in. If you're planning your 2026 Sundays, here is the deal.
The Cowboys will have nine home games at AT&T Stadium this coming season. They'll face the usual suspects in the NFC East: the Eagles, Giants, and Commanders. But they also have some heavy hitters coming to Arlington. The San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are all on the home slate.
For the away games, it gets even tougher. They have to travel to Green Bay, Seattle, and Houston. Expect the "Governor’s Cup" matchup against the Texans to be a massive ratings draw.
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Predicting the 2026 TV lineup
When the schedule eventually drops in May 2026, you can bet on a few things regarding what channel is the cowboys playing on:
- FOX: Since they are an NFC team, FOX will still carry the bulk of their Sunday afternoon games (usually at 3:25 PM CST).
- NBC: The Cowboys are ratings gold. Expect at least two or three Sunday Night Football slots.
- CBS: They'll likely land here for the cross-conference games against AFC South opponents like the Jaguars or Titans.
- ESPN/ABC: Monday Night Football is a given for America's Team.
- Streaming: After the Netflix experiment on Christmas 2025, don't be surprised if more "Special Event" games move to platforms like Amazon or Peacock.
How to watch Cowboys coverage during the off-season
Just because there isn't a game on doesn't mean the coverage stops. Honestly, the Cowboys are a 365-day soap opera. If you're looking for news on coaching changes (there’s a lot of talk about Brian Schottenheimer’s future) or free agency, you have a few options.
The NFL Network is the main hub for off-season news. You'll find them on most cable packages and streaming services like Fubo or YouTube TV. They’ll be all over the Senior Bowl and the Scouting Combine in February. Locally in Dallas, you’ve got the usual suspects like CBS 11 or FOX 4, plus 105.3 The Fan for the radio junkies who need to hear every single rumor about the draft.
Actionable steps for the savvy fan
If you're tired of being surprised by blackouts or moving channels, do these three things now:
- Download the Dallas Cowboys Official App: It’s actually pretty decent for "in-market" fans to see exactly where the game is airing.
- Check the "NFL on FOX" schedule in May: That’s when the 2026 calendar officially drops. Mark the "Doubleheader" weeks; those are usually the big Cowboys games.
- Invest in an Antenna: Seriously. Most Cowboys games are still on local broadcast TV (FOX, NBC, CBS). A cheap digital antenna can save you from a lot of streaming headaches when the internet goes out right before a game-winning drive.
The 2025-2026 season might be a wrap, but the speculation for 2026 has already started. We know who they’re playing, we know where they’re playing—now we just have to wait for the kickoff. Keep your remote handy and maybe wash that jersey. You've got a few months to get ready for the next run.