You're looking for the kickoff time. You want to know if you need to fire up the grill or if you've already missed the coin toss. I get it. But there is a bit of a "good news, bad news" situation happening right now. If you came here asking what time is the dallas cowboy game because you’re ready to watch them in the Divisional Round today, January 18, 2026, I have some news that might sting a little.
The Dallas Cowboys are not playing today.
Honestly, it’s a tough pill to swallow for Cowboys Nation. While the NFL Divisional playoffs are in full swing with the Rams taking on the Bears and the Texans facing the Patriots, the Cowboys are already deep into their offseason. They finished the 2025-2026 regular season with a 7-9-1 record, missing the postseason entirely after a disappointing Week 18 loss to the New York Giants.
What Time Is The Dallas Cowboy Game? (The Offseason Reality)
Usually, this time of year, we’re talking about "America’s Team" and their quest for a sixth ring. Not this year. The Cowboys’ season ended on January 4, 2026, with that 34-17 loss at MetLife Stadium. If you see people wearing jerseys today, they’re either hopeful for next year or just haven't accepted that the season is over.
Since there is no game on the schedule for today, the "time" everyone is looking for is actually the start of the 2026 NFL Draft or perhaps the first day of training camp. Jerry Jones has already been vocal about the "dramatic differences" he expects to make this offseason.
Why the Cowboys Missed Out
It wasn't for lack of individual effort. Dak Prescott actually had a statistically solid year, throwing for 4,525 yards and 30 touchdowns. He even passed his own 2019 mark to move up the Cowboys' all-time single-season passing list.
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The real issue? The defense. They were giving up nearly 30 points per game, which led to defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus getting the boot. You can't win in this league if you're constantly in a shootout that you eventually lose.
The NFL Playoff Schedule for Today (January 18, 2026)
Since the Cowboys aren't on the field, you might still want to catch the games that are happening. The NFL Divisional Round is often the best weekend of football all year. Here is the actual schedule for today:
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
- Time: 3:00 PM ET (12:00 PM PT / 2:00 PM CT)
- Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
- TV: CBS / Paramount+
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears
- Time: 6:30 PM ET (3:30 PM PT / 5:30 PM CT)
- Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
- TV: NBC / Peacock
The Rams actually beat the Cowboys way back in the preseason, and now they’re one of the favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Watching these games is a bittersweet experience for Dallas fans. You see the level of execution required to play in mid-January, and it highlights exactly where the Cowboys fell short.
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What’s Next for the Dallas Cowboys?
Jerry Jones is under immense pressure. There are reports that the team might move on from as many as 17 players this offseason. We're talking about a total "all-in" reset.
Key guys like George Pickens (who had a monster year with over 1,400 receiving yards) and Javonte Williams are names the front office is desperate to keep, but with 22 pending free agents, the roster is going to look very different by the time the 2026-2027 season kicks off.
When will the Cowboys play again?
The 2026 NFL preseason will likely begin in early August 2026. The official NFL schedule usually drops in mid-May. That is when we will finally have a concrete answer for "what time is the dallas cowboy game" for the next season's opener.
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Until then, the focus shifts to the scouting combine in February and the draft in April.
Actionable Insights for Cowboys Fans:
- Stop searching for today's kickoff: The season is over; save your stress for the draft.
- Watch the Divisional Games: Use today to scout the competition. The Texans and Patriots game at 3:00 PM ET is a great look at high-level AFC play.
- Track Free Agency: Follow local Dallas reporters like Clarence Hill Jr. or Jane Slater starting in March. This is where the 2026 season will be won or lost.
- Check the 2026 Draft Order: Dallas will have a mid-round pick. Start looking at top-tier defensive tackles and cornerbacks, as that’s where the glaring holes are.
The "Cowboys Game" isn't happening today, but the work to make sure they play on January 18th next year starts right now.