The question of what time does the Dallas Cowboy game start tonight is usually the most searched phrase in Texas on any given Saturday or Sunday in the fall. But tonight, January 17, 2026, the answer is a bit of a gut punch for the local faithful.
If you’re looking for Dak Prescott and the star on the helmet to run out of the tunnel this evening, you’re going to be waiting a long time. The Dallas Cowboys are not playing tonight. Their 2025-2026 season officially ended on January 4th with a 34-17 loss to the New York Giants.
Honestly, it’s a weird feeling for fans. Usually, we’re either stressing about a playoff seed or complaining about a Wild Card exit. This year? The couch is the only place the team will be.
👉 See also: Truist Park Gates Open: How to Beat the Battery Crowds and See BP
Why the Cowboys Aren't on the Playoff Schedule
It’s the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. This is typically the weekend where the "real" football begins, but the Cowboys finished their season with a disappointing 7-10-1 record. Because they didn't make the postseason cut, there is no kickoff time for them tonight.
While the Cowboys are home, the rest of the NFC is moving forward. If you were hoping for a game tonight, you do have options, just not in Arlington.
The NFL Divisional Round schedule for Saturday, January 17, 2026, looks like this:
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos: 4:30 PM ET (CBS)
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: 8:00 PM ET (FOX)
It’s kind of ironic. A lot of former Cowboys are actually playing in these games. DeMarcus Lawrence is now with Seattle, and Brandin Cooks is suited up for Buffalo. You might catch a glimpse of some familiar faces, even if they aren't wearing the silver and blue.
What Time Does The Dallas Cowboy Game Start Tonight? Not Today
Since there is no game tonight, the focus has shifted entirely to the 2026 off-season. Brian Schottenheimer is heading into his second full year as head coach after a rocky 2025. Fans are already looking at the 2026 opponents list, which was finalized just a couple of weeks ago.
The reality is that "tonight" for the Cowboys won't happen until the preseason kicks off in August. The 2026 regular season schedule isn't even released until May. We know who they play—teams like the Ravens, 49ers, and the usual NFC East rivals—but the "when" is still a mystery.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
If you’re a die-hard fan, the lack of a game tonight is just an opportunity to scout the competition. The 49ers-Seahawks game at 8:00 PM is particularly relevant because San Francisco is scheduled to play at AT&T Stadium in 2026.
Here is what we know about the next time the Cowboys actually take the field:
- The 2026 schedule will feature nine home games at AT&T Stadium.
- Road trips include tough environments like Seattle and Green Bay.
- The official NFL schedule release will happen in mid-May 2026.
Basically, tonight is for the teams that took care of business in December. For Dallas, the clock is already ticking on a massive off-season where free agency and the draft will determine if we’re asking about kickoff times this time next year.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the NFL Draft order. With a 7-10-1 record, Dallas is sitting in a prime spot to snag a high-impact player. The legal tampering period for free agency begins in March, which is the next "real" milestone for the franchise.