You’re staring at the TV guide, scrolling through ESPN, and wondering why the heck the star isn’t showing up. If you're asking what time and channel do dallas cowboys play today, I’ve got some news that might sting a little.
Honestly, the Dallas Cowboys are not playing today, January 18, 2026.
While the NFL world is currently buzzing with the high-stakes drama of the Divisional Round of the playoffs, Jerry’s World is quiet. It’s kinda surreal when you think about the talent on that roster, but the reality is that the Cowboys' season ended a couple of weeks ago. They didn't make the cut. No playoffs. No postseason glory. Just a lot of questions for the front office to answer during a long, cold winter in Arlington.
The Harsh Reality of the 2025-2026 Season
The Cowboys wrapped up their 2025 campaign with a 34-17 loss to the New York Giants on January 4, 2026. That was the final nail. They finished the year with a disappointing 7-9-1 record. For a team that usually carries Super Bowl aspirations like a heavy backpack, finishing second in the NFC East and missing the dance entirely is a bitter pill for fans to swallow.
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Basically, while teams like the New England Patriots and the Chicago Bears are battling it out today for a spot in the conference championships, the Cowboys players are likely on a beach somewhere or already starting their offseason training programs.
Why aren't they on the field today?
- The Record: 7-9-1 just doesn't get you into the postseason in a competitive NFC.
- The Defense: Despite some individual brilliance, the unit struggled, allowing nearly 30 points per game.
- The Coaching Shift: Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus was let go after the season ended, showing just how much pressure is on the leadership right now.
- The Injuries: Losing key playmakers like DaRon Bland to foot surgeries certainly didn't help the cause.
Who IS Playing Today? (Since it's not Dallas)
If you’re just looking for some playoff football to fill the void, there are two massive games happening this Sunday, January 18. Since you were looking for what time and channel do dallas cowboys play today, you might want to pivot your remote to these matchups instead:
Game 1: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
This one kicks off at 3:00 PM ET. You can catch it on ABC and ESPN. It’s the battle of the AFC, and seeing the Patriots back in the Divisional Round feels like a throwback, honestly.
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Game 2: Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears
The nightcap starts at 6:30 PM ET. This one is airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock. It’s a classic NFC showdown at Soldier Field—exactly the kind of game Cowboys fans wish they were watching their team play in.
What’s Next for the Dallas Cowboys?
Jerry Jones is already under immense pressure to fix this. There’s talk of a massive "all-in" reset for the 2026 offseason. We’re talking about potentially letting go of 17 players to clear space and find a new identity. Dak Prescott had a statistically solid year (over 4,500 yards and 30 touchdowns), so the quarterback isn't the immediate problem, but the supporting cast is definitely under the microscope.
We know who they’ll play next year, though the exact dates won't drop until May. The 2026 schedule is already looking brutal. They’ll have to face the 49ers, the Seahawks, and the Rams—all teams that are actually playing playoff football right now.
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It's tough. Being a Cowboys fan often feels like a roller coaster that only goes up halfway before the power cuts out. But for today, the jersey stays in the closet.
What you can do now:
If you're looking to prep for next season, keep an eye on the NFL Scouting Combine coming up in late February. That’s where the Cowboys will start looking for the defensive help they so desperately need. Also, watch the Free Agency window in March; with so many pending free agents like George Pickens and Javonte Williams needing new deals, the roster you see today might look completely different by training camp.