If you’re checking your phone and wondering what time and channel do the dallas cowboys play today, I’ve got some news that might sting a little. Look, we all know how this goes. Every year feels like "the year," and then the reality of January hits.
Today is Tuesday, January 13, 2026. If you were hoping to find a kickoff time for tonight, the short answer is: there isn't one. The Dallas Cowboys are not playing today.
In fact, the Cowboys' 2025-2026 season officially hit the wall on Sunday, January 4, 2026. They closed out their regular season with a 34-17 loss to the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. That loss left them with a final record of 7-9-1. Honestly, it was a rough way to go out, especially seeing Jaxson Dart and Tyrone Tracy Jr. carve up the defense in the second half.
Because of that sub-.500 finish, Dallas missed the NFL playoffs entirely this year.
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Why There Is No Cowboys Game Today
The NFL Wild Card round actually just wrapped up last night with the Houston Texans beating the Pittsburgh Steelers. Since it's Tuesday, the league is in a "dark day" for live games while teams prep for the Divisional Round this coming weekend.
Usually, when people ask what time and channel do the dallas cowboys play today, they are looking for that classic Sunday afternoon slot on FOX or a primetime appearance. But this January, the NFC East crown went to the Philadelphia Eagles (11-6), and the Cowboys were left on the outside looking in.
If you're still itching for football, you'll have to wait until Saturday, January 17. The Divisional Round starts then, but you won't see the Star on the helmet. Instead, you'll be seeing teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Chicago Bears fighting for the NFC title.
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The Reality of the Cowboys 2025-2026 Season
It’s kinda wild how the season spiraled. At one point, Dak Prescott and the offense seemed to have a rhythm, but injuries and a struggling run game really took their toll.
- Final Record: 7-9-1
- Last Game: January 4, 2026 (Loss vs. Giants)
- Playoff Status: Eliminated
I’ve seen a lot of fans confused because the "January 13" date often pops up in search results for playoff schedules. While there was a game yesterday (Monday Night Football), the Cowboys weren't part of the bracket. The NFC representatives still alive are the Seahawks, Bears, Eagles, Panthers, Rams, 49ers, and Packers.
Where to Watch the Upcoming Playoff Games
Even though Dallas is out, the playoffs are moving fast. If you're a football fan regardless of the team, here is where the action is headed for the Divisional Round:
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Saturday, January 17, 2026
The Buffalo Bills face the Denver Broncos at 4:30 PM ET on CBS. Later that night, the 49ers head to Seattle for an 8:00 PM ET kickoff on FOX.
Sunday, January 18, 2026
The Houston Texans take on the New England Patriots at 3:00 PM ET on ESPN/ABC. Finally, the Rams play the Bears at 6:30 PM ET on NBC.
Basically, if you were looking for the Cowboys today, you can put the jersey back in the closet for a few months. The team is already looking toward the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency. There’s already a lot of talk about whether Brian Schottenheimer remains the right fit or if Jerry Jones is going to make a massive splash in the offseason to fix that 7-9-1 record.
Actionable Next Steps for Cowboys Fans
Since there's no game today, the best thing to do is keep an eye on the internal moves.
- Monitor Coaching News: Watch for statements from Jerry Jones regarding the coaching staff. Following a losing season, changes are almost certain.
- Check the Draft Order: With a 7-9-1 record, the Cowboys will have a mid-first-round pick. Start looking at mock drafts for 2026 to see which defensive tackles or offensive linemen might be available to shore up the trenches.
- Audit the Salary Cap: The Cowboys have several key free agents this year. Look up the projected cap space to see if they can actually afford to keep guys like Jadeveon Clowney, who was one of the few bright spots on defense this season.
- Watch the Divisional Round: Even without Dallas, the outcome of the Eagles vs. TBD game will dictate the hierarchy of the NFC East going into next year.
The 2025 season is in the books. It wasn't the ending anyone in North Texas wanted, but at least you don't have to spend your Tuesday night stressed out over a third-down conversion.