So, you’re looking for the Dallas Cowboys score from yesterday. You probably woke up, grabbed your coffee, and realized you might have missed a playoff game or some big January matchup. Here’s the blunt truth: the Dallas Cowboys did not play a game yesterday, Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Honestly, if you're a die-hard fan, that probably hurts to hear. January is supposed to be "Cowboys Season," right? But while the NFL Divisional Round was kicking off with games like the Denver Broncos beating the Buffalo Bills in a wild overtime thriller, the Cowboys were sitting at home.
The Dallas Cowboys Score Yesterday: Why the Lights Were Off
The reason there was no score to report for January 17 is that the Cowboys' 2025-2026 season ended exactly two weeks ago. Their last official game was on January 4, 2026, against the New York Giants.
If you're wondering how that final game went, it wasn't pretty. Dallas lost 34-17. It was a rough afternoon at MetLife Stadium where Dak Prescott didn't even finish the game. He was pulled at halftime after a sluggish start, and backup Joe Milton III took over for the second half. That loss cemented a 7-9-1 record for the season.
Because of that record, the Cowboys missed the playoffs entirely. They didn't qualify for the Wild Card round last weekend, and they certainly weren't on the field for the Divisional games yesterday.
What Happened During the 2025-2026 Season?
It's kinda wild how fast things changed. People entered the year with huge expectations for the Brian Schottenheimer era. But instead of a deep playoff run, the team struggled with consistency.
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The defense, which was led by Matt Eberflus, really fell apart in the final stretch. They gave up 30-plus points in several key games. If you're looking for a silver lining, Jadeveon Clowney actually had a monster end to the year. He finished with 8.5 sacks, three of which came in that final loss to the Giants. He was basically the only reason the defense had any "juice" left by January.
- Final Season Record: 7-9-1
- Final Game Score: Giants 34, Cowboys 17
- Key Stat: Dak Prescott finished the year with 4,525 passing yards, but it wasn't enough to overcome the defensive lapses.
Why People Think There Was a Game
There’s a funny thing about January 17 in Cowboys history. Yesterday actually marked the 55th anniversary of Super Bowl V. That was the "Blunder Bowl" back in 1971 where the Baltimore Colts beat Dallas 16-13.
Sometimes, when these anniversaries pop up on social media or sports tickers, it triggers a "wait, did they play?" moment for fans who aren't keeping a daily eye on the standings. Plus, with other Dallas teams like the Mavericks actually playing (and winning 138-120 against the Jazz last night), it's easy to get your "Dallas scores" mixed up.
What’s Next for Dallas?
Since there’s no score to track right now, the focus has shifted entirely to the front office. Jerry and Stephen Jones are currently in the middle of a massive search for a new Defensive Coordinator.
They fired Matt Eberflus shortly after the season ended. Stephen Jones recently mentioned they are "casting a wide net," looking at about 10 to 12 different candidates. They want a "teacher" and someone who can simplify things for the young talent they have.
If you’re looking for a game to watch, you’ll have to wait until the 2026 preseason in August. In the meantime, the big dates on the calendar are the NFL Scouting Combine in February and the NFL Draft in April. Dallas is expected to have a fairly high pick, and most experts like Dane Brugler are Mocking edge rushers or secondary help to Frisco.
Basically, the Cowboys "score" for the next few months isn't going to be on a scoreboard. It's going to be in the war room.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, start looking at 2026 draft prospects like Keldrick Falk or Reuben Bain Jr. The Cowboys desperately need defensive help if they want to be playing games on January 17 next year instead of watching them from the couch. Keep an eye on the official team announcements regarding the new DC hire, as that will be the first real "win" of the new year.