So, you're looking for the game. You've got the snacks ready, the jersey is on, and you’re scrolling through the guide wondering where are the dallas cowboys playing today. It’s a habit. We’re used to seeing them in the "America’s Team" spotlight almost every single week.
But here is the reality check: The Cowboys aren't playing today.
Today is Tuesday, January 13, 2026. If you follow the NFL schedule closely, you know that Tuesdays are generally "dark" days for the league anyway, reserved for film study and roster moves. But for Dallas, the break is much more permanent this year. The 2025-2026 season wrapped up for the silver and blue on January 4th, and honestly, it didn't end with the fireworks fans were hoping for.
The Reality of the 2026 NFL Postseason
If you’re wondering why you haven't seen a playoff matchup for Dallas, it's because they didn't make the cut. The NFC playoff bracket is currently moving along without them. While teams like the Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks are preparing for the Divisional Round this coming weekend, the Cowboys are already in offseason mode.
They finished the regular season with a 7-9-1 record. That tie against Green Bay back in September really hangs heavy now, doesn't it? Their final game was a 34-17 loss to the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. It was a rough afternoon where the defense just couldn't get off the field. Seeing Dak Prescott and Joe Milton rotate under center in that finale was basically a sign of the uncertainty currently hovering over the franchise.
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Basically, the "today" for the Dallas Cowboys involves meetings in Frisco, Texas, at The Star, rather than a kickoff at AT&T Stadium. They are watching the playoffs from the same couch you are.
Why Most People Get the Schedule Wrong
The confusion usually stems from how the NFL handles the transition from the regular season to the Wild Card round. Last weekend was packed with action. We saw the Rams edge out the Panthers and the Bears take down the Packers. When those big games happen, it feels like the Cowboys should be there.
But for the first time in a few years, the postseason energy in North Texas is non-existent. There is no "Where are the Dallas Cowboys playing today" because the answer is: Nowhere. They are done until the 2026 preseason begins in August.
Looking Toward the 2026 Draft
Since the playing field is quiet, the conversation has shifted entirely to the front office. Because Dallas finished where they did, they are now locked into a high draft pick. The latest mock drafts from experts like those at Sporting News have the Cowboys looking heavily at the defensive side of the ball.
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It makes sense. The defense was, frankly, nauseating at times this past year. Despite having electric playmakers like CeeDee Lamb and the mid-season addition of George Pickens, you can't win games when you're giving up 34 points to a struggling Giants team in Week 18.
The focus for the team today is:
- Evaluating the Coaching Staff: Brian Schottenheimer’s first year as head coach ended with a lot of "what ifs."
- The Quarterback Conundrum: Dak's future and the development of the younger guys.
- Free Agency Prep: Who stays and who goes once the new league year hits in March.
The 2026 Opponents Are Already Set
Even though they aren't playing today, we actually already know who they will face in the 2026 season. Because they finished second in the NFC East (a silver lining, I guess?), their strength of schedule for next year is already taking shape.
They’ll be traveling to some tough environments. Philadelphia, Washington, and New York are obvious, but they also have road dates set for Green Bay, Houston, and Seattle. If you're planning a trip for next fall, those are the cities you'll want to keep on your radar.
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What You Can Do Now
Since there’s no game to watch today, the best way to stay in the loop is to follow the team's official transactions. The NFL playoffs will continue this Saturday, January 17th, starting with the Buffalo Bills at the Denver Broncos. If you need a team to root for (or against) while the Cowboys are sidelined, the NFC matchups on Sunday, January 18th, will determine who represents the conference.
Keep an eye on the Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine coming up in February. That’s where the next generation of Cowboys will be found. For now, put the jersey in the wash and get ready for a long, news-heavy offseason in Arlington.
To keep tabs on the latest roster moves and coaching changes during this quiet period, check the official Dallas Cowboys team site or the NFL's transaction wire daily. This is when the foundation for the 2026 season is actually built.