It is that weird, quiet time in North Texas. The air is crisp, the holiday leftovers are finally gone, and the giant video board at AT&T Stadium is dark. If you are asking who are the dallas cowboys playing next week, the answer is a tough pill for the local faithful: nobody.
The Dallas Cowboys' 2025-2026 season officially hit a wall on January 4, 2026, with a 34-17 loss to the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. That defeat put a bow on a 7-9-1 season, leaving Jerry Jones’ squad on the outside looking in as the NFL playoffs roar ahead without them. While teams like the Eagles and 49ers are gearing up for high-stakes Divisional Round matchups next week, the Cowboys are already deep into "next year" mode.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a shocker for fans who expected a deep run. But the schedule doesn't lie.
Why the Cowboys Aren't Playing Next Week
The math just didn't add up this year. Finishing second in the NFC East sounds decent on paper, but in the hyper-competitive NFC, seven wins and a tie won't buy you a seat at the postseason table.
While the rest of the league is occupied with the Divisional Round on January 24 and 25, the Cowboys' front office is stuck in Frisco. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer—who took over the reins during a tumultuous cycle—now faces a mountain of questions regarding the roster. You've got a fan base that is tired of "maybe next year." The reality is that the next time the Cowboys take the field for a meaningful snap, it will be September 2026.
It's weird to think about.
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Usually, this team is at least a Wild Card contender, but the 2025 campaign was plagued by inconsistency. One week they’re beating the Chiefs on Thanksgiving in a 31-28 thriller; the next, they’re getting blown out by the Chargers. That kind of volatility is exactly why they are sitting on the couch next week.
Looking Ahead: Who the Cowboys Play in 2026
Even though they don't have a game next week, the NFL’s scheduling formula is a predictable beast. We already know exactly who the Cowboys will face in the 2026 season. The "when" is still a mystery—we won't get the official dates until the NFL schedule release in May—but the "who" is set in stone.
Because the Cowboys finished second in their division, they have a grueling slate ahead. They have to face the entire NFC West and the AFC South, plus the second-place finishers from the other NFC divisions.
2026 Home Opponents at AT&T Stadium
- Philadelphia Eagles (The rivalry that never sleeps)
- New York Giants
- Washington Commanders
- Arizona Cardinals
- San Francisco 49ers (A persistent thorn in Dallas' side)
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Tennessee Titans
- Baltimore Ravens
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2026 Road Trips
- Philadelphia Eagles
- New York Giants
- Washington Commanders
- Los Angeles Rams (SoFi Stadium is basically AT&T West anyway)
- Seattle Seahawks
- Houston Texans (The battle for Texas is always spicy)
- Indianapolis Colts
- Green Bay Packers
The Mexico City Rumor
There is a massive asterisk on that home schedule. Rumors are flying—and basically confirmed by insiders like John Sutcliffe—that the Cowboys will likely host a game in Mexico City in 2026. Jerry Jones has been vocal about his desire to play in Mexico, and with 2026 being an even year, the NFC teams get nine home games.
Giving up one of those "home" games to play at Estadio Azteca makes a lot of financial sense, even if it annoys season ticket holders in Arlington. Word on the street is the Arizona Cardinals are the most likely opponent for that international showdown.
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Imagine that atmosphere.
Mexico has one of the largest Cowboys fan bases outside of the States. It would basically be a home game with a lot more noise and a lot more altitude.
What the Cowboys Should Be Doing Instead of Playing
Since they aren't playing next week, the focus shifts to the "offseason of change." Dak Prescott isn't getting any younger, and the defense has holes that became glaringly obvious during that Week 18 collapse against the Giants.
The 2026 draft will be pivotal.
They need help in the trenches. They need a running game that doesn't disappear in the second half. Most importantly, they need to figure out if the current coaching staff can actually navigate a full 17-game season without the wheels falling off in December.
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Basically, the "game" they are playing next week is a mental one. It's about scouting, cap space, and trying to figure out how to bridge the gap between "talented roster" and "actual winner."
If you were hoping to see the Star on your TV next weekend, you're better off firing up some old highlights or checking out the local high school recruiting trails. The Cowboys are officially on vacation.
Actionable Steps for Cowboys Fans
While the team is idle, you don't have to be. Here is how to handle the "no game" blues:
- Watch the Texans: If you need a Texas team to root for, Houston is actually in the mix. It’s okay to jump on the bandwagon for a week.
- Monitor the Coaching Carousel: Keep a close eye on the Cowboys' defensive coordinator search. Several big names are expected to interview in late January.
- Check the Mock Drafts: Now that the Cowboys’ draft position is locked in at the middle of the pack, start looking at offensive line prospects. That’s where the 2026 season will be won or lost.
- Plan the Mexico Trip: If the Mexico City game is confirmed in May, tickets will go fast. Start setting aside a "travel fund" now just in case.
The 2025 season is dead. Long live the 2026 season. It’s going to be a long wait until September, but for the Dallas Cowboys, the work for next year starts right now.