If you’re waking up on this Friday, January 16, 2026, and reaching for your lucky Dak Prescott jersey or checking the fridge for beer, I hate to be the one to break it to you. Honestly, there’s no easy way to say it.
The Dallas Cowboys do not play today.
In fact, they aren’t playing at all this weekend. While the NFL Divisional Round is about to kick off with a massive slate of games, the star on the helmet is nowhere to be found in the brackets. If you’re asking what time do the cowboys play today, the answer is simply: they don't. After a rollercoaster 2025-2026 season that ended with more of a whimper than a bang, America's Team is officially in "wait until next year" mode.
Why the Cowboys Aren't on the Playoff Schedule
It’s been a weird year in Big D. We all saw the headlines. After a heartbreaking 34-17 loss to the New York Giants on January 4th to close out the regular season, Dallas finished with a 7-9-1 record. That tie against the Packers earlier in the year really came back to haunt them, didn't it?
Because they finished second in the NFC East—trailing the Philadelphia Eagles—and didn't have enough wins to snag a Wild Card spot, their season ended the moment the clock hit zero at MetLife Stadium. While the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears are preparing for their Divisional showdowns, the Cowboys players are likely already halfway through their offseason vacations.
It’s tough for fans who are used to January being a month of high-stakes tension. Usually, we're arguing about clock management or a controversial catch. This year, the silence is a bit deafening.
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Who is Playing Today and This Weekend?
Since you’ve already carved out time in your schedule thinking there was a game, you might as well see who is taking the field. The NFL Divisional Round is actually looking pretty incredible this year.
Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos: This kicks off at 4:30 PM ET. It’s a huge test for Denver at home.
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks: An NFC West rivalry in the playoffs? Yes, please. Kickoff is at 8:00 PM ET on FOX.
Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots: The battle of the AFC begins at 3:00 PM ET.
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears: This one wraps up the weekend at 6:30 PM ET on NBC.
Basically, if you were looking for the Cowboys, you’re about 12 days late or about 7 months too early.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Opponents Are Set
Just because there’s no game today doesn't mean there’s nothing to talk about. The NFL has already finalized the list of who Dallas will face in the 2026 regular season. If you think this year was a grind, next year looks like a gauntlet.
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Because they finished second in the division, they’ll play a "second-place schedule." That means matchups against the Green Bay Packers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Plus, they have to run the NFC West and AFC South rotations.
Home Games at AT&T Stadium:
- Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, Washington Commanders (The usual suspects).
- Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers.
- Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.
- Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Away Games:
- Philly, New York, and DC.
- Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks.
- Houston Texans (The battle for Texas!) and Indianapolis Colts.
- Green Bay Packers (Because it’s not a season without a trip to Lambeau).
What’s Next for the Front Office?
The question isn't "what time do the cowboys play today," but rather "what are the Cowboys doing today?" The answer is scouting.
With the 2025 season in the rearview mirror, Brian Schottenheimer and the coaching staff are under the microscope. Jerry Jones has been uncharacteristically quiet lately, which usually means big moves are simmering behind the scenes. The "futures" market for signings opened up on January 5th, so expect a flurry of roster-bottom churning as they try to find the next hidden gem.
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The NFL Draft in April is now the biggest date on the calendar for Dallas fans. After the offense stalled out in the red zone far too often this past December, the calls for a dominant interior lineman or another explosive playmaker for Dak are getting louder.
Stop Checking the Clock and Start Planning
It sucks when your team is out. We've all been there. But the 2026 offseason is officially here for the Cowboys.
If you’re a die-hard fan, your next "game day" is likely the first week of September 2026. Until then, you can keep an eye on the East-West Shrine Bowl coming to Frisco on January 27th—it’s a great chance to see future Cowboys in action before they even get drafted.
The best thing you can do today? Set an alert for the 2026 NFL Schedule release in mid-May. That’s when we’ll finally know exactly when and where the Cowboys will actually play. For now, enjoy the playoffs as a neutral observer, or find a team to root against. Sometimes that’s just as fun.
Next Steps for Cowboys Fans:
- Check the Draft Order: Dallas will likely be picking in the middle of the first round. Start looking at mock drafts for offensive line depth.
- Monitor Free Agency: Negotiations for 2023 draft picks can start as of January 5th. Watch for news on possible extensions to see who is sticking around for the long haul.
- Watch the Divisional Round: Keep an eye on the 49ers and Eagles this weekend; these are the teams Dallas has to leapfrog if they want to be playing this time next year.