So, you’re looking for what time is cowboys game today, but I’ve gotta be the one to break it to you: there isn't one. It’s January 15, 2026, and if you’re a member of the Star-wearing faithful, the reality is a little bit cold right now. While the NFL playoffs are heating up for the divisional round this weekend, the Dallas Cowboys are already deep into their offseason plans.
They finished their 2025 campaign with a 17-34 loss to the New York Giants on January 4th. That game kicked off at 1:00 PM ET and essentially closed the book on a year that left a lot of folks in North Texas scratching their heads.
It’s a weird feeling. Usually, by mid-January, we're either planning a watch party or nursing the emotional wounds of a playoff exit. This year, the wounds just came a little earlier.
When Is the Next Cowboys Game?
Since the season ended a couple of weeks ago, the "what time is cowboys game" question doesn't have an answer for 2026—at least not yet. The NFL won't release the official schedule with specific dates and kickoff times until May.
However, we do know exactly who they’re playing. Because the Cowboys finished second in the NFC East, their 2026 schedule is actually locked in based on the league's rotation formula.
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They’re going to be busy. In 2026, the NFC East is matched up against the AFC South and the NFC West. That means games against high-octane teams like the 49ers and the Texans. Honestly, looking at the strength of schedule, Dak and company have a mountain to climb.
2026 Home Opponents at AT&T Stadium
- The Division Rivals: New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders.
- The West Coast Swing: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers.
- AFC South Visitors: Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans.
- The Extra Games: Baltimore Ravens (AFC North) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFC South).
The Cowboys get nine home games this year because the NFL rotates the 17th game home/away split between conferences. It’s our turn to host the extra one.
2026 Road Trips
- NFC East Away: Giants, Eagles, Commanders.
- NFC West Away: Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks.
- AFC South Away: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts.
- The Cold One: Green Bay Packers.
Expect that Houston game to be a massive ticket. The "Battle of Texas" always brings out the weirdness in both fanbases.
The Search for What Time Is Cowboys Game During the Playoffs
Why are so many people still searching for what time is cowboys game? It’s basically muscle memory for NFL fans. We’re used to Dallas being the "A" game on a playoff Sunday.
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This weekend, for example, the divisional round is stacked. On Saturday, January 17, the Bills play the Broncos at 4:30 PM ET, followed by the 49ers and Seahawks at 8:00 PM ET. Then on Sunday, the Texans and Patriots go at it at 3:00 PM ET, with the Rams and Bears closing it out at 6:30 PM ET.
It feels empty without the silver helmets, doesn't it?
The team has already pivoted. Brian Schottenheimer and the staff are looking at the 2026 offseason calendar. We’ve got the East-West Shrine Bowl coming up right here in Frisco on January 27, then the Senior Bowl in Mobile on the 31st. That’s where the real work for the next season starts.
What to Expect Moving Forward
Since we don't have a kickoff time to set our watches by, the focus shifts to the front office. January 5th was the first day teams could start signing "futures" deals and negotiating extensions for 2023 draft picks.
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Keep an eye on the news cycle around mid-May. That is when the league drops the full 2026 schedule. That’s when we’ll finally know if we’re looking at a 1:00 PM "America’s Game of the Week" or a Sunday Night Football primetime slot for that Week 1 opener.
There’s also been a ton of chatter about an international game. Rumors have been swirling that Dallas might finally head to Mexico in 2026 as the "home" team. If that happens, the kickoff time will be a whole different animal depending on the TV windows.
For now, the best thing to do is keep an eye on the NFL Draft prep. The Cowboys need to fix the run defense and find some depth at wideout if they want to be playing games in mid-January next year instead of watching them from the couch.
Next Steps for Fans:
Check the official NFL communications in late April 2026 for the preseason schedule announcement, followed by the full regular-season release in May. You can also follow the Senior Bowl on January 31 to see which prospects the Cowboys' scouts are hovering around, as that usually dictates their draft board for the upcoming season.