If you're frantically checking your betting apps or scanning the TV guide to see who plays the Cowboys today, I have some news that might sting a little. The Dallas Cowboys aren't playing anyone today, January 13, 2026. While the NFL playoffs are currently in full swing, the "America's Team" bus ran out of gas about nine days ago in the Meadowlands.
The 2025-26 season wrapped up for Dallas on January 4, 2026, with a pretty disappointing 34-17 loss to the New York Giants. That defeat wasn't just a bad Sunday; it was the final nail in a season that felt like a constant uphill battle. They finished with a bizarre record of 7-9-1.
Yeah, that tie against Green Bay back in September really stands out now, doesn't it?
The Cold Reality of the NFL Playoff Bracket
Right now, the rest of the league is moving on without them. We just finished Wild Card Weekend, which ran from January 10 through January 12. If you were hoping to see Dak Prescott or CeeDee Lamb under the lights, you're a week late and a few wins short.
The NFC is currently being dominated by teams that actually found their rhythm in December. The Seattle Seahawks snagged the #1 seed with a 14-3 record, earning themselves a nice week off while everyone else beat each other up. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles—the Cowboys' biggest headache—actually won the NFC East this year, finishing 11-6.
It’s gotta be tough for Cowboys fans to watch the Eagles host playoff games while the gates at AT&T Stadium are locked tight for the winter.
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What the Playoff Picture Looks Like Instead
Since the Cowboys didn't make the cut, here is who is actually taking the field during this postseason cycle:
- The #1 Seeds: Seattle Seahawks (NFC) and Denver Broncos (AFC) are sitting pretty with byes.
- The Wild Card Winners: We just saw the Houston Texans absolutely dismantle the Steelers 30-6 on Monday night.
- The Divisional Round: These games are set for January 17 and 18, 2026.
Honestly, it’s a weird feeling. For a team that usually commands the most headlines, the silence coming out of Frisco right now is deafening. They didn't just miss the playoffs; they missed them in a year where the NFC South was arguably wide open, and they still couldn't claw their way into a Wild Card spot.
Why Who Plays The Cowboys Today is "Nobody"
You might be wondering how a team with George Pickens—who had a massive second-team All-Pro year—and Dak Prescott ended up watching the playoffs from their couches.
The defense was the culprit. Plain and simple.
Under Brian Schottenheimer’s first year as head coach, the offense actually put up some decent numbers. They scored 471 points over the season. That’s not bad! But the defense? They gave up 511. You simply cannot win in the NFL when you're bleeding points like an open wound. The trade that sent Micah Parsons to the Packers earlier in the season is still the biggest "what if" of the decade for this franchise. Seeing Parsons fly around in a Green Bay jersey while the Cowboys' defensive line struggled to get pressure was a bitter pill for the fan base.
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The Stats That Ended the Season
- Final Record: 7-9-1
- Division Rank: 2nd in the NFC East (behind Philadelphia)
- Turnover Ratio: -9 (This is usually a death sentence for playoff hopes)
- Points Allowed: 511 (A franchise-worst for a 17-game stretch)
It’s kind of wild to think about. They had a massive Thanksgiving win against the Kansas City Chiefs that 57 million people watched. For one afternoon, it looked like they were Super Bowl contenders. Then December hit, and the wheels just fell off with losses to Minnesota and the Chargers.
What Happens Now? (The 2026 Offseason)
Since there is no game today, the front office is already deep into "evaluation mode." This is usually the time when Jerry Jones starts making those cryptic comments to the media that make everyone nervous.
The 2026 offseason calendar is already filling up. Even though they aren't playing, the team is very much in the news for all the wrong reasons. They’ve already started signing "futures" contracts—basically players who might fill out the practice squad or the bottom of the roster next year.
The next big date for the Cowboys isn't a kickoff; it's the East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco on January 27, followed by the Senior Bowl on January 31. They’ll be scouting hard because, with no playoffs to show for their efforts, the draft is the only way to fix that porous defense.
Key Dates for Cowboys Fans to Watch:
- January 27: East-West Shrine Bowl (It's in their backyard, so expect heavy presence).
- February 23: NFL Scouting Combine begins. This is where they have to find a replacement for the production they lost in the Parsons trade.
- March 11: Free agency opens. Will Jerry Jones actually spend money this time? History says maybe not, but the seat is getting hot.
The Verdict on the 2025 Season
Looking back, the "who plays the Cowboys today" question is a reminder of a missed opportunity. They had the talent on offense. George Pickens proved he's a true #1 receiver. Dak was a Pro Bowler. Brandon Aubrey was a kicking machine.
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But football is a three-phase game, and the defense was a zero.
If you're looking for a team to root for today, you might have to look toward the Texans if you want to stay in Texas, or maybe the Seahawks if you like dominant defense. But for the silver and blue, the season is officially over.
Actionable Next Steps for the Dallas Faithful
Stop checking the scores for today; there won't be one. If you want to stay ahead of the curve for next season, here is what you should actually be doing:
- Review the 2026 Opponents: The NFL has already determined who Dallas will play next year. They’ll face the AFC North (Ravens, Bengals, etc.) and the NFC West. It’s a brutal schedule.
- Watch the Divisional Round: Pay attention to the Rams and 49ers. These are the teams Dallas has to leapfrog if they want to be relevant in the NFC again.
- Monitor the Coaching Staff: There are already rumors about defensive staff changes. Keep an eye on the official Cowboys wire for news on who will be calling the plays for that struggling defense in 2026.
The road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is moving forward, but the Cowboys' bus is parked in the garage until August.