If you’re refreshing your phone or yelling at your TV remote trying to figure out who won the dallas football game today, I’ve got some news that might be a little hard to swallow for the die-hard fans in Arlington.
The Dallas Cowboys didn't win today.
Actually, they didn't even play.
While the rest of the NFL is tearing it up in the Divisional Round of the playoffs this Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Cowboys are currently sitting at home. They’re likely watching the Buffalo Bills take on the Denver Broncos or the 49ers-Seahawks clash from their couches just like you.
It’s a bitter pill. Honestly, after the way the 2025-2026 regular season ended, most of the North Texas area is still in a bit of a funk.
Where Are the Cowboys? Why They Aren’t Playing Today
The Cowboys' season officially hit the wall back on January 4, 2026.
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They finished with a weird, frustrating record of 7–9–1. That tie against Green Bay back in September really haunts the standings now, doesn't it? Because of that losing record, they missed the playoffs entirely, finishing second in the NFC East but nowhere near a Wild Card spot.
While you might be seeing "Dallas" in the headlines today, it's probably because of the SMU Mustangs. They actually had a big-time ACC game right there in Dallas today. The SMU Mustangs played the No. 16 Virginia Cavaliers at Moody Coliseum.
It was a tight one, but SMU couldn't pull it off, losing 72-68. Malik Thomas was a beast for Virginia, dropping 23 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. If you were looking for a Dallas "win" in the sports world today, the college hardwood didn't provide it either.
The Brutal Season Finale That Sent Dallas Packing
To really understand why we aren't talking about a Cowboys victory today, you have to look back at that Week 18 disaster against the New York Giants.
Dallas went into MetLife Stadium with a sliver of hope. People wanted to see Dak Prescott finish strong. He had a chance to lead the league in passing yards, but the coaching staff pulled him at halftime. It was a bizarre move that signaled the team had basically given up on the day.
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The Giants, who only had three wins at the time, absolutely dismantled the Cowboys defense.
- Final Score: New York Giants 34, Dallas Cowboys 17.
- The Turning Point: A 96-yard drive by the Giants’ rookie QB Jaxson Dart.
- The Nail in the Coffin: An interception by Bobby Okereke off Joe Milton III late in the fourth.
That 34-17 loss was the definitive end. It sent Jerry Jones into a tailspin and left fans wondering what exactly the plan is for 2026.
NFL Playoff Games Happening Right Now (Without Dallas)
If you're looking for football to watch today, the NFL Divisional Round is in full swing. These are the teams that actually earned their way onto the field this Saturday:
The Early Window: Bills at Broncos
This was a heavyweight battle in the AFC. The Broncos, holding that No. 1 seed, hosted the Bills at Empower Field at Mile High. Since Dallas failed to fix their run defense all year, watching Denver’s ground game today is a masterclass in what the Cowboys are missing.
The Primetime Slot: 49ers at Seahawks
This is the one that really stings for Dallas fans. Watching two NFC West rivals battle it out for a spot in the Conference Championship is a reminder of how far the Cowboys have fallen in the hierarchy. Seattle earned the first-round bye and looked rested, while the 49ers are trying to prove their dynasty isn't over yet.
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What’s Next for Dallas Football?
Since there was no Dallas football game today to win, the focus shifts entirely to the front office.
The 2025 season was a mess of "what ifs." Trading for George Pickens and Quinnen Williams were "all-in" moves that didn't pay off with a postseason berth. Now, the team is looking at a 2026 draft where they’ve already traded away some significant capital.
The biggest questions moving forward:
- The Quarterback Room: Dak Prescott is a Pro Bowler again, but Joe Milton III showed he’s still very much a project in that season finale.
- Coaching Changes: With Brian Schottenheimer under the microscope, will Jerry Jones make a splashy hire this spring?
- The Defense: Giving up 5 yards per carry to a three-win Giants team in the finale proved that the interior line needs more than just big names; it needs a scheme that works.
Basically, the "win" Dallas needs right now isn't on a scoreboard. It's in the draft room and the film room.
If you were hoping to celebrate a victory today, you might have to settle for checking out the highlights of Brandon Aubrey. He was one of the few bright spots this year, earning 2nd-team All-Pro honors. But as every Cowboys fan knows, a great kicker can't save a team that can't stop the run or score in the second half.
For those still looking for live action, tomorrow features the Houston Texans visiting the New England Patriots and the Rams taking on the Bears in Chicago.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the updated NFL playoff bracket to see who advances to the Conference Championships on January 25.
- Keep an eye on the Dallas coaching staff announcements, as rumors are swirling about potential defensive coordinator shifts.
- Review the 2026 NFL Draft order; the Cowboys will be picking much higher than they’d like to be.