You're probably scrolling through your phone, coffee in hand, trying to find a score for a Dallas vs. Pittsburgh game that you swore happened last night. It's a classic matchup. The "America's Team" vs. the "Steel Curtain" vibe. But if you're looking for a final score from January 16, 2026, I’ve got some news that might make you rethink your calendar.
Honestly? There was no Dallas vs. Pittsburgh game last night. I know, it sounds wrong. You might even have a memory of a highlight or a notification. But the reality of the 2026 sports schedule is a bit more complicated than just another Friday night showdown. If you’re a Cowboys fan or a Steelers devotee, you’re likely feeling the sting of an early offseason or looking at a basketball box score that didn't quite feature the Steel City.
The NFL Reality: Why the Cowboys and Steelers Weren't on the Field
Let’s get the big one out of the way. If you were looking for an NFL score, you're officially in the "post-Tomlin" era of confusion.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' season ended on Monday, January 12, 2026. It was a rough one. They traveled to Houston for the Wild Card round and basically got dismantled by the Texans, losing 30-6. Aaron Rodgers, who had signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh to chase one last ring, was sacked and fumbled in a way that pretty much signaled the end of an era.
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Then, the bombshell dropped. Mike Tomlin resigned on January 13 after 19 seasons. By last night, January 16, the Steelers were busy interviewing candidates like Ejiro Evero, not playing football.
What about Dallas? The Cowboys didn't even make the dance this year. They finished their season on January 4 with a lackluster 34-17 loss to the Giants. While the NFL playoffs are currently heating up—the Rams and Bears are literally prepping for a Divisional matchup tomorrow—the Cowboys have been at home for nearly two weeks.
Wait, Was it Basketball?
Sometimes we get our cities crossed when the NFL season winds down. You might have been thinking of the Dallas Mavericks.
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The Mavs actually did play a game very recently, but it wasn't against anything from Pittsburgh. They beat the Utah Jazz 144-122. Klay Thompson, who is apparently still finding ways to look like a superstar in 2026, dropped 26 points and hit six triples. It was a blowout.
As for Pittsburgh? They don't have an NBA team. Unless you were looking for the Pitt Panthers in college hoops, there’s no "Dallas vs. Pittsburgh" box score to find in the pro basketball world.
Why Do We Keep Searching for This?
It's actually pretty fascinating. The Dallas-Pittsburgh rivalry is so deeply ingrained in sports culture that our brains almost expect them to be playing whenever a big sports weekend rolls around. It’s a phantom game.
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We remember the classic 2024 "Sunday Night Football" delay at Acrisure Stadium. We remember the goal-line stands. So when the playoffs start in mid-January, it feels natural to assume these two giants are clashing.
What You Should Actually Be Watching Right Now
If you're looking for live action to fill that Dallas-Pittsburgh-sized hole in your heart, here is what’s actually happening this weekend:
- NFL Divisional Playoffs: The Rams and Bears are the main event tomorrow. The Rams' offense is currently ranked #1 in the league, averaging over 30 points a game.
- NBA Regular Season: The Mavericks are deep in the Western Conference hunt. Keep an eye on Klay Thompson's shooting splits; he’s currently 4th on the all-time 3-pointers list.
- NHL Action: The Penguins (Pittsburgh's real winter representative) are in the middle of their season, though they’re fighting for a wildcard spot just like the Steelers were.
The "Dallas vs. Pittsburgh" game last night is a ghost of sports seasons past. It’s a reminder of how much the landscape has shifted—especially with coaching legends leaving and veteran QBs finally hitting the wall.
If you want to stay on top of what’s actually happening, stop looking for the Cowboys in January. Instead, check out the live brackets for the NFL Divisional round or look at the Mavs' upcoming schedule for their next West Coast road trip. The 2026 season is moving fast, and it’s leaving the old rivalries behind for a minute while the new guard takes over.