The question of what's the score for the Dallas Cowboys is a bit of a painful one right now for the folks in Frisco. Honestly, if you’re looking for a live game on your TV this Saturday, January 17, 2026, you won’t find one. The Cowboys aren't playing. They aren't in the playoffs. While the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos are duking it out in the Divisional Round today, Dallas is already deep into its offseason evaluations.
It’s a tough pill to swallow.
The last time there was an actual score to report, it was a messy 34-17 loss to the New York Giants on January 4, 2026. That game served as the season finale, and it pretty much summed up the entire 2025-2026 campaign: flashes of talent buried under a mountain of inconsistency and defensive collapses.
The Final Score That Ended the Season
When people ask "what's the score for the Dallas Cowboys," they are usually looking for that final 17-34 result from MetLife Stadium. It was a weird game. Dak Prescott actually started, but he didn't finish. He was pulled after halftime after going 7-of-11 for 70 yards. It felt less like a regular-season finale and more like a preseason game by the third quarter.
The Giants, who only had three wins going into that game, looked like world-beaters. Rookie Jaxson Dart threw two touchdowns, and the Cowboys' defense—led by defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus—just couldn't get off the field.
Here is how that final game broke down:
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- First Quarter: Dallas actually led 10-6. Jaydon Blue scored a 14-yard rushing touchdown.
- Second Quarter: The wheels fell off. Daniel Bellinger caught a 29-yard TD from Dart. Dallas went into the half trailing 16-10.
- Third Quarter: Joe Milton III took over for Dak. It didn't go well. He threw an interception to Bobby Okereke that basically iced it.
- Fourth Quarter: Phil Mafah punched in a 1-yard score, but the Giants added ten more points to finish the 34-17 rout.
Why There’s No Game Today
It’s January 17. This is the heart of the NFL playoffs. Usually, Dallas expects to be here. But the Cowboys finished the season with a record of 7-9-1.
That tie? That came against the Philadelphia Eagles earlier in the year and proved to be a weirdly prophetic sign that the team just couldn't quite get over the hump. They finished second in the NFC East, but in a year where the wildcard race was exceptionally fast, seven wins wasn't even close to enough.
So, while you might see the Seahawks and 49ers playing later today, the Cowboys are at home. The "score" for the franchise right now isn't on a scoreboard; it's in the draft capital and the coaching search.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Current Status
A lot of fans are still searching for the score because they assumed Dallas made the wildcard. They didn't. There's also some confusion about the coaching situation. Brian Schottenheimer took the reins this season, and after a 7-9-1 finish, the seat is already getting warm.
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The defense allowed over 30 points in several key games late in the season. You can’t win in the NFL like that. Not in 2026.
Realities of the 2025-2026 Season
- Dak's Future: After being pulled in the finale, rumors are swirling about whether the team will stick with him or look toward a younger option in the 2026 NFL Draft.
- The Eberflus Factor: The defensive scheme was heavily criticized for being too passive against mobile quarterbacks.
- The Running Game: Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah showed sparks, but the offensive line was inconsistent at best.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Schedule
Since the season is over, the next "score" we care about is the one that happens in September. We already know who the Cowboys will face in 2026. Because they finished second in the division, they have a "second-place schedule," which sounds easy but actually includes the Baltimore Ravens and the Green Bay Packers.
They’ll be hosting nine games at AT&T Stadium this coming season. They play the NFC West and the AFC South. That means matchups against the 49ers, Rams, and Texans. It’s not going to be a walk in the park.
Actionable Steps for Cowboys Fans Right Now
If you're disappointed that there isn't a live score to check today, here is what you should actually be tracking to stay ahead of the curve:
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- Monitor the Senior Bowl: With Dallas picking in the middle of the first round, they need to nail their scouting. Watch for interior defensive linemen and offensive tackle prospects.
- Watch the Coaching Carousel: Keep an eye on whether Jerry Jones makes a move at defensive coordinator. If Eberflus is out, the scheme change will be the biggest story of the spring.
- Cap Space Tracking: Dallas has some tough decisions with veteran contracts. Checking sites like OverTheCap will give you a better idea of who might be a "cap casualty" before March.
The Cowboys might be out of the 2026 playoffs, but the real work for the next season has already started. Don't expect to see a new score on the board until the preseason kicks off in August.