If you woke up today, January 17, 2026, and immediately started looking for what times do the dallas cowboys play today, I’ve got some news that might sting a little. You probably shouldn't check the TV guide for a star on the helmet.
The Dallas Cowboys are not playing today.
Honestly, the 2025-2026 season didn't go exactly to plan for America's Team. While today is a massive day for football—it’s the NFL Divisional Round—the Cowboys are currently watching from home like the rest of us. They finished their regular season back on January 4th with a tough 34-17 loss to the New York Giants. That loss put the final nail in a 7-9-1 season, leaving them out of the playoff bracket entirely.
When to Watch Football Today (Even Without Dallas)
Just because Dak and company aren't on the field doesn't mean the stadiums are empty. Today is actually one of the best betting and viewing days of the entire year. We have two heavyweight matchups that basically determine who moves on to the Conference Championships.
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Game 1: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
Kickoff is at 4:30 PM ET. You can catch this one on CBS. If you’re a streamer, Paramount+ has the live feed. Denver is the top seed in the AFC this year, and Empower Field at Mile High is going to be rocking.Game 2: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
This is the nightcap at 8:00 PM ET on FOX. It's an all-NFC West divisional clash. Since the Cowboys are out, most NFC fans are glued to this one to see who represents the conference.
Why People Keep Asking What Times Do the Dallas Cowboys Play Today
It's actually kinda funny how often this happens. The Cowboys are the most searched team in the world for a reason. Even when they’re having a "down" year, people just assume they’re playing in the big Saturday slots.
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There’s also the Brian Schottenheimer factor. 2025 was his first year as head coach after the big shifts in the front office, and everyone was curious to see if he could get them over the hump. They had some bright spots—like that 40-37 overtime thriller against the Giants early in the season—but the consistency just wasn't there.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Schedule
Since there’s no game today, the real question for fans is: when do they play next?
The NFL won't release the official 2026-2027 schedule with exact times until May, but we already know who the Cowboys are lined up against. Because they finished second in the NFC East, their "strength of schedule" looks a bit different for next year.
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Home Opponents at AT&T Stadium:
You've got the usual suspects like the Eagles, Giants, and Commanders. But the 2026 rotation brings some heavy hitters to Arlington. The Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers are both slated to visit "Jerry World." Also, keep an eye out for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Arizona Cardinals.
Road Games for 2026:
The travel schedule looks brutal. Dallas has to head to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers. They also have a date with the Houston Texans in a battle for Texas bragging rights, plus trips to see the Rams in LA and the Seahawks in Seattle.
Actionable Steps for Cowboys Fans Today
Since you can't watch the game today, here is how you should actually spend your Saturday if you're still bleeding silver and blue:
- Scope the Competition: Watch the 49ers vs. Seahawks game at 8 PM. These are the teams Dallas has to leapfrog next year to get back into the Divisional Round.
- Check the Mock Drafts: With a 7-9-1 record, the Cowboys have a decent mid-round pick. Start looking at defensive tackle prospects; that run defense needs help.
- Update Your Streaming Apps: If you struggled to find what times do the dallas cowboys play today, make sure you have the NFL app or a dedicated sports calendar synced to your phone for the 2026 season opener in September.
The road to the 2027 Super Bowl starts with an empty Saturday in January. It sucks, but it's the reality of the rebuild. Grab a drink, watch the Bills and Broncos, and start counting down the days until training camp in Oxnard.