It was supposed to be a "get right" game.
Instead, it turned into a nightmare in East Rutherford. If you're asking what's the score for Dallas Cowboys, the final number from their most recent outing on January 4, 2026, is a grim 17-34 loss to the New York Giants.
Honestly, it wasn't even as close as the score suggests.
By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the Giants—a team that had only managed three wins all season before that day—were essentially playing keep-away. MetLife Stadium, usually a house of horrors for the G-Men when Dak Prescott rolls into town, became the site of a total Cowboys collapse.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants
The game started with some semblance of hope. Brandon Aubrey, basically the only consistent bright spot for Dallas lately, drilled a 22-yard field goal in the first. Jaydon Blue even found the end zone on a 14-yard burst to put Dallas up 10-6.
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Then the wheels fell off.
Dallas didn't score again until there was one minute left in the third quarter. By then, rookie sensation Jaxson Dart was carving up the secondary like a Thanksgiving turkey.
Quarter-by-Quarter Score
The first quarter saw Dallas lead 10-6. It was the last time they'd have the lead.
In the second, the Giants put up 10 unanswered points.
The third was more of the same, with the Giants adding another 8 to their tally while Dallas stayed at zero.
Finally, in the fourth, both teams traded scores, but the damage was done.
Final: Giants 34, Cowboys 17.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Loss
You'll hear plenty of fans complaining about the defense. Sure, Matt Eberflus's unit looked lost, giving up 380 total yards to a struggling offense. But the real story? It was the quarterback situation.
Dak Prescott started the game, but he didn't finish it. He went 7-for-11 for a measly 70 yards before being pulled. Coach Brian Schottenheimer opted to see what Joe Milton III could do in the second half. Milton brought some energy with 43 rushing yards, but his 7-for-13 passing performance and a critical interception to Okereke basically sealed the deal.
It felt like a preseason game. But for a team that finished the year 7-9-1, playing like it doesn't matter is exactly how you end up watching the playoffs from the couch.
Why what's the score for Dallas Cowboys matters for the 2026 Season
The 2025 campaign is officially dead. This loss wasn't just a bad Sunday; it was the exclamation point on a season defined by "what ifs" and missed opportunities.
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The Cowboys are now looking at a 2026 schedule that is absolutely brutal. Because they finished second in the NFC East (thanks to the Eagles running away with the division), they’ll be facing a gauntlet of second-place finishers from across the league.
Future Opponents at AT&T Stadium
- Philadelphia Eagles (The usual bloodbath)
- Baltimore Ravens (Lamar Jackson in Arlington? Good luck.)
- San Francisco 49ers (A rivalry that never gets easier)
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Arizona Cardinals
The Road Ahead
Traveling to play the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau or facing the Houston Texans on their turf isn't exactly a "bounce back" scenario. The front office, led by Jerry Jones, is facing a mountain of questions. Is Schottenheimer the guy? Can the defense stop a 20-yard pass on third down?
Actionable Steps for the Offseason
If you're a fan trying to make sense of the what's the score for Dallas Cowboys fallout, don't just stare at the box score. Keep an eye on the following:
- The NFL Draft Order: With a 7-9-1 record, Dallas picks in the middle of the pack. Watch for them to target interior defensive linemen or a true deep-threat receiver to help CeeDee Lamb.
- Coaching Carousel: Keep your notifications on for news regarding the defensive coordinator. The unit's inability to get off the field on third down (the Giants went 8-for-14) is a fireable offense in most cities.
- Cap Space Maneuvers: With Dak’s contract always a talking point, the way they restructure deals this spring will tell you if they are "all in" for 2026 or starting a soft rebuild.
The scoreboard says 17-34. The reality says the Cowboys have a long way to go before they're relevant in January again.