If you're waking up today, January 17, 2026, and frantically searching for who won today dallas cowboy game, I’ve got some news that might sting a little. Honestly, it’s the kind of news that makes you want to throw your remote at the wall if you’re a member of Cowboys Nation.
There was no game today.
While the NFL playoffs are currently in full swing with the Divisional Round, the Dallas Cowboys are nowhere to be found on the field. They aren't playing. They aren't in the hunt. Basically, they’ve been home for nearly two weeks. While teams like the Bills, Broncos, 49ers, and Seahawks are battling it out today for a spot in the conference championships, the Cowboys are already knee-deep in "next year" mode.
It’s a tough pill to swallow. Especially considering how much hype usually surrounds this team. But to understand why you aren't seeing a score today, we have to look back at the chaotic ending of their 2025-2026 regular season.
The Finale That Ended It All
The real answer to the question of the Cowboys' recent performance lies in their final game of the season, which took place on January 4, 2026. They traveled to MetLife Stadium to face the New York Giants.
Most fans expected a win. The Giants were coming in with only three wins all year. It felt like a "get right" game.
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Instead, the Cowboys got handled. The Giants won 34-17. It wasn't even as close as the score suggests. Dak Prescott started the game, but he was pulled at halftime after a sluggish performance where he threw for only 70 yards. The team turned to Joe Milton in the second half, hoping for a spark, but it was too little, too late.
Why the Season Collapsed
Look, the Cowboys didn't just lose a game; they lost their identity over the final month. They finished the season with a record of 7-9-1. Think about that for a second. That tie against Green Bay back in September (a wild 40-40 shootout) ended up being a weird omen for a season that never quite found its footing.
- They lost four of their last five games.
- The defense, led by Jadeveon Clowney (who actually had a career-high three sacks in that final Giants game), just couldn't stop the run when it mattered most.
- Injuries to the receiving core—even with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens out there—seemed to disrupt the timing of the offense.
By the time the final whistle blew in East Rutherford, the Cowboys were officially eliminated from playoff contention. That is why, on this Saturday in mid-January, the star is absent from your television screen.
What Most People Get Wrong About the 2026 Playoffs
There’s a lot of confusion because, typically, a 7-9-1 record in the NFC East might keep you in the conversation if the division is weak. But the Philadelphia Eagles took care of business this year, finishing 11-6 and locking down the top spot.
Even the Commanders showed signs of life, though they finished behind Dallas. The Cowboys ended up in second place in the division, but that second place was miles away from a Wild Card berth.
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If you're looking for football today, you're going to see:
- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos (AFC Divisional Round)
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (NFC Divisional Round)
Neither of those involves Jerry Jones' squad. It’s a weird feeling, right? Usually, the Cowboys find a way to at least get into the first round before the inevitable heartbreak. This year, the heartbreak came early.
The Dak Prescott Situation
We have to talk about Dak. He’s been the lightning rod for criticism all season. While he did pass his own 2019 record for single-season passing yards, reaching over 4,500 yards, the "empty calories" argument is louder than ever.
In that final game against the Giants, his halftime exit sparked a million rumors. Was it an injury? A benching? The team called it a "coaching decision" to evaluate younger talent, but everyone in the stadium knew it felt like a shift in the wind.
The Road Ahead: What Happens Now?
Since there is no game today, the focus in Dallas has shifted entirely to the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency.
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The defense needs a total overhaul in the secondary. Caelen Carson and the rest of the unit struggled significantly in the final weeks, giving up massive chunk plays to rookie quarterbacks like Jaxson Dart.
Honestly, the biggest question isn't who won today dallas cowboy game—it's who will be leading this team next September. There is immense pressure on the coaching staff. You can't finish 7-9-1 with a roster this expensive and expect everyone to keep their jobs.
Actionable Steps for Cowboys Fans Today
Since you can't watch the game, here is how you should actually spend your football Saturday:
- Watch the NFC West Rivalry: Tune into the 49ers vs. Seahawks game. It’s a masterclass in how modern NFC offenses are supposed to operate. Take notes on the physical style of play—it’s exactly what Dallas was missing this year.
- Draft Scouting: Start looking at the top defensive tackle prospects. The Cowboys have a middle-of-the-pack draft pick, and they desperately need someone to anchor that defensive line.
- Stop Checking the Score: Save yourself the grief. The scores you see today are for the teams that earned their way into the second round.
The Dallas Cowboys' season is over, but the drama is just beginning. Between the contract questions for star players and the inevitable coaching rumors, the "offseason" in Dallas is usually more active than the actual games anyway. Enjoy the playoffs for what they are—great football—and maybe take a break from the silver and blue for a few weeks.