If you’re checking the TV guide or frantically refreshing your betting apps to see who does Dallas Cowboys play next week, I have some news that’s probably going to sting a bit.
They aren't playing. Not next week, and not for a while.
As of Sunday, January 18, 2026, the NFL is currently in the thick of the Divisional Round of the playoffs. The Seattle Seahawks just steamrolled the 49ers, and the Denver Broncos won a nail-biter against Buffalo. But the Star is noticeably absent from the bracket. For the second year in a row, the Dallas Cowboys are officially in "wait until next year" mode.
Why the Cowboys Aren't on the Schedule Next Week
It’s been a rough ride for Cowboys fans. Honestly, the 2025-2026 season was a bit of a train wreck. Dallas finished the regular season with a 7-9-1 record. Their final game was a demoralizing 34-17 loss to the New York Giants on January 4, 2026.
👉 See also: Missouri vs Alabama Football: What Really Happened at Faurot Field
That loss didn't just end the season; it cemented a second consecutive losing record for the franchise, something that hasn't happened since the dark days of the early 2000s. While teams like the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams are fighting for a spot in the NFC Championship, Jerry Jones and the front office are already looking at draft boards and free-agent lists.
Basically, if you were hoping for a playoff game next weekend, you’ll have to settle for watching the Rams take on the Bears or the Texans face the Patriots.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Dallas Cowboys Opponents
Even though there’s no game "next week," we actually already know exactly who the Cowboys will face in the 2026 season. The NFL's scheduling formula is a bit of a mathematical beast, but it’s predictable once the standings are locked in. Because Dallas finished second in the NFC East, their 2026 schedule is going to be a gauntlet.
✨ Don't miss: Miami Heat New York Knicks Game: Why This Rivalry Still Hits Different
Home Games at AT&T Stadium
The Cowboys will host nine games in Arlington this coming season. The highlight? A brutal matchup against the Baltimore Ravens and a renewal of the rivalry with the San Francisco 49ers. Here is the rest of the home slate:
- The usual suspects: New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders.
- The AFC South invaders: Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.
- NFC wild cards: Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Road Trips and Away Matchups
The away schedule looks even tougher. They have to travel to face the Seattle Seahawks, who are currently the top seed in the NFC. They also have a massive intra-state showdown against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
- Division rivals: Giants, Eagles, and Commanders.
- The frozen tundra: A trip to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers.
- West Coast swings: Games against the Los Angeles Rams and the Indianapolis Colts.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Cowboys' Offseason
People think that because the Cowboys missed the playoffs, they’ll just sit quiet. That’s rarely how it works in Dallas. There is massive pressure on the coaching staff—led by Brian Schottenheimer—and Dak Prescott to turn this ship around before the 30-year Super Bowl drought becomes even more of a meme.
🔗 Read more: Louisiana vs Wake Forest: What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
One thing you should keep an eye on is the 22 pending free agents on the roster. Sixteen of those are unrestricted, meaning the team you see on the field in September 2026 might look drastically different from the one that struggled through 2025.
"Dallas has now recorded consecutive losing seasons for the first time since 2000 to 2002," notes sports analyst Patrik Walker. This isn't just a slump; it’s a crisis of identity for the most valuable franchise in sports.
Actionable Insights for Fans
Since you can't watch them play next week, here is how you can actually stay engaged with the team as they head into the 2026 offseason:
- Watch the Senior Bowl: On January 31, 2026, the Senior Bowl takes place in Mobile, Alabama. This is where the Cowboys’ scouts will be looking for the next generation of talent to fix that 7-9-1 record.
- Draft Position: Keep an eye on the mock drafts. Dallas is picking much higher than they’re used to, and they desperately need help in the trenches and at the running back position.
- The Franchise Tag Window: Starting February 17, 2026, teams can begin designating players for the franchise tag. This will be the first big clue as to who the Cowboys value for their long-term future.
The "next week" for the Dallas Cowboys isn't a game; it's the start of a massive rebuilding phase. If you're a fan, it's time to trade the jersey for a draft guide.
Next Steps for Cowboys Fans: Check out the official 2026 Offseason Calendar on the Cowboys' website to track key dates like the NFL Scouting Combine in late February and the official schedule release in mid-May.