If you’re refreshing your phone and asking what's the score for the cowboys game today, I’ve got some bad news. There is no score. There isn't even a game. While the NFL Divisional Round is currently kicking off with a double-header today, January 17, 2026, the Dallas Cowboys are nowhere to be found on the field.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a gut punch for the fan base.
The Cowboys' season officially hit the wall nearly two weeks ago. If you missed the finale, it wasn't pretty. They finished their 2025-2026 campaign with a thud, losing 34-17 to the New York Giants on January 4. That loss didn't just end the year; it cemented a losing record of 7-9-1. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations back in August, sitting at home while the Bills, Broncos, 49ers, and Seahawks play today feels like a total failure.
The Cowboys Score That Actually Mattered
To understand why there is no score to report today, you have to look back at that Week 18 disaster against the Giants. It was basically a microcosm of the whole season. Dak Prescott started the game but was pulled at halftime after throwing for only 70 yards. The team was trying to protect him, but also, let’s be real, the offense was stagnant.
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Joe Milton took over in the second half, and while he’s got that "wow" arm strength, it didn't translate to points. The defense? They got shredded by Jaxson Dart and a Giants team that only had three wins coming into that game.
Here is how that final score broke down:
- First Quarter: Dallas 10, NY Giants 6 (Jaydon Blue had a nice 14-yard TD run).
- Half Time: NY Giants 16, Dallas 10.
- Third Quarter: The wheels fell off. Giants jumped to 24-10.
- Final: 34-17 Giants.
That loss left Dallas in second place in the NFC East, but with 9 losses and a tie, they were nowhere near a Wild Card spot. While you might see "Cowboys" trending today, it’s mostly because it is the 55th anniversary of Super Bowl V—the "Blunder Bowl"—where they lost to the Baltimore Colts. Kind of a depressing coincidence for fans looking for a win.
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Who is Playing Today Instead?
Since you're looking for football, the NFL schedule for Saturday, January 17, 2026, is actually pretty stacked. We are in the Divisional Round now. The teams that actually took care of business are fighting for a spot in the Conference Championships.
Saturday Playoff Slate:
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos: This kicked off at 4:30 PM ET. The Broncos are the #1 seed in the AFC this year, and Bo Nix has been playing out of his mind.
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: This is the nightcap at 8:00 PM ET on FOX. It’s a massive NFC West rivalry game. Seattle has home-field advantage as the #1 seed, but San Francisco just took down the Eagles in the Wild Card round to get here.
It’s weird seeing the Seahawks and 49ers dominate the NFC while Dallas is already talking about the 2026 NFL Draft. But that’s the reality of the 7-9-1 record.
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What’s Next for the Dallas Cowboys?
Since there’s no score for the cowboys game today, the focus has shifted entirely to the front office. Brian Schottenheimer and the staff are already in "evaluation mode." The big question is what happens with the roster.
The 2026 opponents are already set. We know Dallas will be facing the AFC South and the NFC West next year. That means games against the 49ers, Rams, Texans, and Jaguars. If they play like they did this year, 2026 is going to be another long winter.
The NFL scouting combine starts February 23, and that’s the next "big game" for this organization. They need a defensive identity. Allowing 34 points to a 3-win Giants team in the finale proved that the current scheme just isn't working.
Key Dates to Watch Now:
- January 27, 2026: East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco (right in the Cowboys' backyard).
- February 8, 2026: Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara (which we’ll be watching from the couch).
- March 11, 2026: Free agency begins. This is where the "All In" talk usually starts and stops.
If you’re looking for a score to track today, keep an eye on that Bills-Broncos game. It’s a high-scoring matchup with a total set at 45.5. As for the Cowboys, the only score that matters right now is their salary cap space and their position in the first round of the draft.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Stop checking the live scoreboard: The Cowboys are officially in the offseason.
- Watch the 49ers vs. Seahawks tonight: This game determines the path to the Super Bowl in the NFC, a path Dallas missed.
- Mark May 2026 on your calendar: That is when the full 2026-2027 schedule drops, and we find out when the home opener at AT&T Stadium will be.