You're sitting there, wings ordered, fridge stocked, and you're frantically typing what time does the cowboys game come on tonight into your phone because the playoff bracket looks a little different than you expected. I get it. The post-season is chaotic, and if you're a Dallas fan, the schedule can be a source of constant stress or, occasionally, a massive misunderstanding.
Let's cut right to the chase: if you are looking for the Dallas Cowboys on the NFL playoff schedule for tonight, Saturday, January 17, 2026, you won't find them.
The Cowboys are not playing tonight.
In fact, the Dallas Cowboys’ 2025-2026 season ended a couple of weeks ago. They finished the regular season with a 7-9-1 record after a disappointing Week 18 loss to the New York Giants. Because they didn't make the cut for the post-season, they aren't part of the Divisional Round triple-header or the primetime slots people are buzzing about today.
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Why People Are Asking What Time Does the Cowboys Game Come On Tonight
It happens every year. People see "Cowboys" on the Saturday sports ticker and assume Jerry Jones’ squad is taking the field. However, if you see a "Cowboys" game listed for tonight, Saturday, January 17, it's actually the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
They are playing a college basketball game against the Kansas State Wildcats. That game tips off at 4:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. local time) at the Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater. You can catch that one on CBSSN. So, if you just want to root for a team with a star on the helmet and "Cowboys" on the jersey, that’s your fix. But for NFL fans, the star is staying in the locker room until next September.
Tonight’s Actual NFL Playoff Schedule
Since Dallas is out, you might still want to watch the heavy hitters who actually made it to the Divisional Round. The league has a massive Saturday lineup that usually draws in the "America's Team" crowd anyway.
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- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos: This kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks: The nightcap starts at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
It's a weird feeling for Dallas fans. Usually, by mid-January, we're either celebrating a Wild Card win or mourning a heartbreaking exit. This year, the mourning started early.
The Misconception of the Post-Season Schedule
Why do so many fans still search for the kickoff time? It’s basically muscle memory. For decades, the Cowboys have been the "ratings gold" for networks, often flexed into the Saturday night or Sunday afternoon primetime slots. Even in "down" years, the NFL finds ways to keep Dallas in the conversation.
Honestly, the confusion also stems from some old ticket listings. If you check certain secondary market sites, you might see "TBD" listings for NFC Divisional games at AT&T Stadium. Those were "if-necessary" placeholders that were cancelled the moment the Cowboys were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
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What’s Next for Dallas?
Since you aren't watching a game tonight, what should you be looking for? The "real" game for Dallas starts now—in the front office.
The 2026 opponents have already been locked in. Because Dallas finished second in the NFC East, their 2026 schedule is going to be a gauntlet. They’ll be facing the AFC South and the NFC West. That means games against the Texans, Colts, Jaguars, Titans, 49ers, Rams, Seahawks, and Cardinals.
We also know they’ll have nine home games at AT&T Stadium next season because of the NFC’s rotation for the 17-game schedule.
Actionable Steps for Displaced Fans
- Check the Draft Order: Since the season is over, Dallas is looking at a mid-tier draft pick. Start scouting offensive line depth or secondary help.
- Mute the Keywords: If you can't stand seeing the Eagles or 49ers celebrate tonight, hit the "mute" button on your social feeds.
- Watch the Big 12: If you really need that "Cowboy" fix, tune into the Oklahoma State game at 4:00 p.m. ET.
The quest to find out what time does the cowboys game come on tonight ends with a bit of a thud this year, but at least you can save the buffalo chicken dip for a matchup that actually matters.
Keep an eye on the NFL Scouting Combine in late February; that's the next time you'll see the Dallas brass in action.