If you’re currently flipping through your cable guide or frantically refreshing your sports app trying to figure out what channel is the dallas cowboys playing on today, I’ve got some tough news for you.
The Dallas Cowboys are not playing today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a bummer for the fans, but the Cowboys’ 2025-2026 season officially wrapped up on January 4th. They finished their run with a 34-17 loss to the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, ending the year with a final record of 7-9-1. Because they didn’t make the cut for the postseason, America’s Team is currently in "vacation mode"—or, more accurately, deep in the scouting and front-office planning stages for the next draft.
Where the NFL Action Is Happening Instead
Even though the Cowboys are out, the NFL world is actually in a total frenzy right now. We just finished Wild Card Weekend, and the league is gearing up for the Divisional Round which starts this coming Saturday, January 17th.
👉 See also: Meaning of Grand Slam: Why We Use It for Tennis, Baseball, and Breakfast
Since it's Wednesday, the players are on the practice field, not the television screen. If you're looking for live football, you'll have to wait a few days. When the games do return this weekend, you'll find them on the usual heavy hitters: CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN/ABC.
The Upcoming Divisional Round Schedule
If you’ve got a "football-shaped hole" in your heart and need a team to root for (or against) this weekend, here is who is actually hitting the turf:
- Saturday, Jan 17: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (4:30 PM ET on CBS/Paramount+)
- Saturday, Jan 17: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (8:00 PM ET on FOX)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Houston Texans at New England Patriots (3:00 PM ET on ESPN/ABC)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (6:30 PM ET on NBC/Peacock)
It’s a weird feeling for Dallas fans to be watching from the couch while rivals like the Eagles and Giants were battling for position, but that’s the reality of a 7-9-1 season.
✨ Don't miss: NFL Week 5 2025 Point Spreads: What Most People Get Wrong
Why the Cowboys Aren't on Your Screen
Basically, the Cowboys’ season was a bit of a rollercoaster that ended on a downward slope. After a promising Thanksgiving win against the Chiefs, things kinda fell apart in December. They lost a heartbreaker to the Vikings and then got thumped by the Chargers.
By the time they hit the season finale against the Giants on January 4th, the playoff hopes were already paper-thin. That loss solidified their spot on the outside looking in.
So, if you were hoping to see Dak Prescott or CeeDee Lamb today, you won’t find them on any live broadcast. They’ve already transitioned into the "offseason cycle."
🔗 Read more: Bethany Hamilton and the Shark: What Really Happened That Morning
What Happens Next for Dallas?
Since you can't watch them play today, what should you be looking for? The "game" has moved from the field to the front office.
- Staffing Changes: With the season ending the way it did, everyone is looking at the coaching staff. Rumors are already swirling about potential shifts in the defensive room.
- The 2026 Draft: Dallas will likely have a decent pick in the middle of the first round. Experts like Mel Kiper Jr. are already starting to mock up who might fit the star on their helmet.
- Free Agency: In March, the real drama starts. Who stays? Who goes? The Cowboys have some big contract decisions to navigate.
Summary for the Confused Fan
To recap: if you’re searching for what channel is the dallas cowboys playing on today, the answer is none. The team is out of the playoffs and won't be back in action until the preseason in August 2026.
If you just need a football fix, set your DVR for this Saturday. The road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara continues without Dallas, but the matchups—especially that 49ers/Seahawks clash—look like they’re going to be absolute barn-burners.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the 2026 Opponents List: The NFL has already finalized who Dallas will play next year. They’ll be facing the AFC South and the NFC West.
- Mark the Schedule Release: The actual dates and times for the 2026 season won't be out until mid-May.
- Follow the Senior Bowl: If you want to see future Cowboys, tune into the Senior Bowl on January 31st. It’s where the front office does their best scouting.