You're probably sitting there with your jersey on, or at least a lukewarm coffee, wondering why the TV guide isn't showing a star on the helmet. It’s a Saturday in mid-January. Usually, this is peak football fever. But if you’re looking for America’s Team, I have some news that might sting a little.
The Dallas Cowboys are not playing today, January 17, 2026.
Their season ended a couple of weeks ago. It wasn't the fairy-tale ending fans in Arlington were hoping for after a rollercoaster of a year. While the NFL playoffs are absolutely heating up with the Divisional Round kicking off right now, the Cowboys are watching from home just like the rest of us. Honestly, it’s a bit of a bummer. After a season that saw big wins against teams like the Chiefs and Eagles, the wheels fell off during a late-season slump. They finished with a 7-9-1 record, which just wasn't enough to squeeze into the postseason bracket.
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When is the Cowboys game today and who is playing instead?
If you search for when is the cowboys game today, Google might actually point you toward college sports. It's a common mix-up. While the NFL's Dallas Cowboys are officially in "vacation mode," there are other Cowboys hitting the court and the field today.
If you’re a fan of the Pokes, you actually have a few options:
- Oklahoma State Men’s Basketball: The Oklahoma State Cowboys are hosting the Kansas State Wildcats at Gallagher-Iba Arena. This is a big one. Tip-off is set for 9:05 p.m. CT. You can catch that on CBSSN.
- Wyoming Cowboys Basketball: Over in the Mountain West, Wyoming is taking on Fresno State at the Save Mart Center. That game starts at 5:00 p.m. local time (Pacific) and streams on ESPN+.
- Oklahoma State Tennis: If you’re really a die-hard for the brand, the Men's Tennis team has a doubleheader today in Stillwater against Saint Joseph’s and UTRGV.
But let's be real—most of you are here for the NFL. Today's NFL Divisional Round schedule features the Buffalo Bills at the Denver Broncos (4:30 p.m. ET on CBS) and the San Francisco 49ers at the Seattle Seahawks (8:00 p.m. ET on FOX). If it’s any consolation, the 49ers being on TV usually gives Cowboys fans someone to root against, right?
Why the Dallas Cowboys missed the 2026 playoffs
It’s easy to blame one thing, but the 2025-2026 campaign was complicated. They started strong. That 31-28 Thanksgiving win over the Kansas City Chiefs had everyone thinking Super Bowl. But the NFL is a "what have you done for me lately" league.
The back half of the season was brutal. Losses to the Lions, Vikings, and Chargers in December turned a promising run into a scramble for survival. The Week 18 loss to the Giants (17-34) was the final nail in the coffin. It’s the kind of season that leaves a bad taste in your mouth because the talent was clearly there, but the consistency? Not so much.
Now, the front office is looking at a long offseason. Jerry Jones and the coaching staff are already facing questions about the roster's "clutch factor." When you finish second or third in the NFC East, you don't get a January invite. Instead, you get a higher draft pick and a lot of "what if" conversations.
Looking ahead to the 2026 Dallas Cowboys season
Since you can't watch them today, the next best thing is looking at what's coming. The 2026 opponents list is already out. It’s not going to be a walk in the park. Because of the NFL’s rotating schedule, the NFC East is slated to match up against the AFC South and the NFC West next year.
The Cowboys will be hosting some heavy hitters at AT&T Stadium, including the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers. They also get the extra home game this year (the 17th game rotation), which is a nice perk for season ticket holders.
2026 Home Opponents
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Washington Commanders
- New York Giants
- Baltimore Ravens
- San Francisco 49ers
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Tennessee Titans
- Arizona Cardinals
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2026 Road Trips
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Washington Commanders
- New York Giants
- Green Bay Packers
- Houston Texans
- Indianapolis Colts
- Seattle Seahawks
- Los Angeles Rams
How to stay busy without a Cowboys game
Since you have an open afternoon, you could lean into the playoff drama. Watching the 49ers and Seahawks beat each other up is a storied tradition for Dallas fans. Or, you can check out the Oklahoma State game tonight to get your "Cowboys" fix.
The NFL Draft is the next big milestone. With the season over, the scouting reports are the new playbook. Keep an eye on the Senior Bowl and the Combine in the coming weeks. That’s where the 2026 roster actually begins.
For now, put the grill away or maybe just use it for the other games. The Dallas Cowboys won't be back on the field for a meaningful game until September 2026. It’s a long wait, but that’s the life of a fan in the NFC East.
Stay tuned for the official schedule release this spring. That’s when we’ll get the actual dates and times for the 2026 comeback tour. Until then, enjoy the playoffs—even if the silver and blue are missing from the screen.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the NFL Mock Draft boards to see which defensive studs might be heading to Dallas.
- Mark your calendar for the NFL Schedule Release in mid-May.
- If you're in Oklahoma, grab tickets for the OSU vs. K-State basketball game at Gallagher-Iba Arena for a 9:05 p.m. tip-off.