If you're frantically refreshing your phone and asking everyone in the room what's the score on the cowboys game tonight, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you can stop looking. There isn't one. The Dallas Cowboys are not playing tonight, January 17, 2026.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a bummer for the North Texas faithful, but the reality is that the Cowboys’ 2025-2026 season officially hit the wall a couple of weeks ago. While the NFL Divisional Playoffs are currently in full swing—with huge matchups like the Bills taking on the Broncos and the 49ers facing the Seahawks today—America’s Team is watching from the couch.
The final score that ended it all
The last time we saw the Cowboys on the field was back on January 4, 2026. It was a Week 18 matchup at MetLife Stadium that most fans would probably rather forget. Dallas went into that game against the New York Giants hoping to finish a rough year on a high note, but it didn't happen.
The final score was 34-17 in favor of the Giants.
📖 Related: U of Washington Football News: Why Jedd Fisch’s Roster Overhaul Is Working
It was a weird game. Dak Prescott started but only played until halftime. He was trying to secure his spot on the single-season passing yards list, and he actually moved into third place in franchise history with 4,525 yards. But after he sat down, the offense kinda sputtered. Rookie Joe Milton III got some snaps, which was cool to see, but the Giants' Jaxson Dart and Tyrone Tracy Jr. basically ran wild over the Dallas defense.
By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, and Devin Singletary punched in a 6-yard touchdown, the writing was on the wall. The Cowboys finished the season with a record of 7-9-1.
Why the Cowboys aren't in the playoffs tonight
To get a game tonight, you’ve basically got to be one of the last eight teams standing. Dallas didn't even make the Wild Card round.
👉 See also: Top 5 Wide Receivers in NFL: What Most People Get Wrong
They finished second in the NFC East, which sounds decent until you realize the Philadelphia Eagles took the division at 11-6. The Cowboys’ tie earlier in the season and a string of losses in December really killed their momentum. Because they missed the postseason entirely, those "NFC Divisional Game" tickets you might have seen floating around on resale sites for January 18 at AT&T Stadium have been officially cancelled.
It’s a tough pill to swallow. Especially when you see the Seahawks and 49ers playing in the prime-time slot tonight. Dallas fans are used to being in the mix, but this year, the "Big D" stands for disappointment.
Key stats from the season finale
- Dak Prescott: 70 passing yards (limited play)
- Jadeveon Clowney: A bright spot with a career-high 3 sacks
- Team Offense: Only managed 286 total yards compared to the Giants' 380
- Final Record: 7-9-1 (No playoff berth)
Looking ahead to the 2026 season
Since you can't check what's the score on the cowboys game tonight, the next best thing is looking at what happens next. The front office is already pivoting to the 2026 schedule and free agency.
✨ Don't miss: Tonya Johnson: The Real Story Behind Saquon Barkley's Mom and His NFL Journey
We already know who they’ll be playing next season, even if the exact dates won't drop until May. Because they finished second in the division, they've got a "second-place schedule," which usually means facing other teams that finished in that same spot. They’ll be hosting the Ravens, 49ers, and Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. They also have to travel to face the Texans in the "Battle of Texas," which is always a massive draw.
The team has a lot of soul-searching to do. Brian Schottenheimer and the coaching staff are under the microscope. With key players heading into free agency, the roster you saw two weeks ago might look totally different by the time training camp rolls around.
If you're looking for football to watch right now, turn on the 49ers vs. Seahawks game. It's the only NFC action tonight. For the Cowboys, the "score" right now is 0-0, and it’ll stay that way until the preseason kicks off in August.
Next Steps for Cowboys Fans:
- Check the Draft Order: Since the season is over, find out where Dallas picks in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Monitor Free Agency: Keep an eye on the "unrestricted free agents" list starting in March to see who stays in Dallas.
- Watch the Divisional Round: Even without the Cowboys, the winner of tonight’s games will be one step closer to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara.