So, you’re looking for the quick answer to what was the score of the cowboys last night, but honestly, unless you were following the schedule closely, you might have missed a pretty big detail. There wasn't actually a Cowboys game last night, Friday, January 16, 2026. If you’re checking your phone and seeing radio silence, that’s because the Dallas Cowboys officially wrapped up their season about two weeks ago on January 4th.
It’s that weird time of year where the playoffs are in full swing for the lucky teams, but for Dallas? They’re already in offseason mode. Their last meaningful score was a bit of a stinger: a 34-17 loss to the New York Giants.
Basically, the 2025-2026 campaign didn't end with a bang; it was more of a thud.
The Last Score You Actually Need to Know
Since there wasn't a game last night, let's look at the "last night" that actually mattered for the standings. That was the Week 18 finale against the Giants. It was a rough watch if you’re a Cowboys fan. Dallas finished the season with a 7-9-1 record, which, let's be real, is just frustratingly mediocre.
The Giants game was a microcosm of their whole year. Dak Prescott started the game but ended up being pulled after halftime. He went 7-for-11 for 70 yards and lost a fumble. Not exactly the "Texas Coast" offense dominance people were hoping for. Joe Milton III came in for the second half, but the offense just couldn't find a rhythm.
By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the Giants had pretty much checked out with the win. Devin Singletary punched in a late touchdown to make the final score 34-17.
👉 See also: What Really Happened With Nick Chubb: The Injury, The Recovery, and The Houston Twist
Why the Scoring Stopped Early
The reason you're wondering about the score "last night" is likely because we're deep into the NFL postseason right now. But because Dallas finished second in the NFC East with that sub-.500 record, they didn't make the cut for the Wild Card round or the Divisional games happening this weekend.
The Philadelphia Eagles took the division at 11-6, leaving Dallas on the outside looking in.
- Final Season Record: 7-9-1
- Last Game Score: 17 (Cowboys) vs 34 (Giants)
- Playoff Status: Eliminated
What Happened to the Defense?
If you want to understand why that final score was so lopsided, you have to look at the defensive side of the ball. Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus has been under the microscope lately.
The unit has been giving up big plays at the worst possible times. In that final game against New York, they let rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart look like a seasoned vet. Dart threw for 230 yards and two touchdowns. Even though Jadeveon Clowney had a monster game with three sacks, it wasn't enough to stop the bleeding.
One of the weirdest moments was seeing Donovan Ezeiruaku get ejected for ripping off an opponent's helmet. It was just a messy, undisciplined way to end the year.
✨ Don't miss: Men's Sophie Cunningham Jersey: Why This Specific Kit is Selling Out Everywhere
Who Actually Scored for Dallas?
Even in a loss, there were a couple of bright spots if you're looking for names to remember for next season.
- Jaydon Blue: He grabbed his first NFL touchdown on a 14-yard run in the first quarter.
- Phil Mafah: He also notched his first career TD with a 1-yard plunge late in the fourth.
- Brandon Aubrey: The ever-reliable kicker nailed a 22-yard field goal and two extra points.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Offseason
A lot of fans think that because the season is over, nothing is happening. That's totally wrong. The "score" right now is being kept in the front office. Jerry Jones has already been vocal about changes coming "pronto."
We’re already seeing the 2026 offseason calendar take shape. The team is looking at the East-West Shrine Bowl on January 27th in Frisco to scout new talent. Then you've got the Senior Bowl on the 31st.
The real question isn't what happened last night, but what's going to happen in April during the draft. Since they finished 7-9-1, they'll have a decent middle-of-the-pack pick to try and fix that Swiss-cheese defense.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Opponents
We already know who the Cowboys are playing next year, even if we don't have the exact dates yet. It looks like a gauntlet.
🔗 Read more: Why Netball Girls Sri Lanka Are Quietly Dominating Asian Sports
- Divisional Rivals: Giants, Eagles, and Commanders (twice each).
- Interconference: They’ll face the AFC South (Texans, Colts, Jaguars, Titans).
- Intraconference: The NFC West is on the menu (49ers, Rams, Seahawks, Cardinals).
Because they finished second in the division, they also get the second-place teams from the remaining NFC divisions: the Green Bay Packers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Honestly, it’s not getting any easier.
Actionable Next Steps for Cowboys Fans
Since there's no game to watch tonight or tomorrow, here is how you can actually stay in the loop:
- Track the Coaching Carousel: Keep an eye on Matt Eberflus’s status. If he’s out, the defensive scheme for 2026 will change completely.
- Watch the Senior Bowl: On January 31st, pay attention to the defensive line prospects. Dallas needs a run-stuffer desperately.
- Check the Salary Cap: With the league year starting in March, the Cowboys have some massive decisions to make regarding veteran contracts and Dak's future.
The season might be over, but the drama in Arlington is just getting started.