Are you ready for some football?! The Dallas Cowboys are a team with a passionate fanbase, and catching their games is a weekly ritual for millions. Whether you're a die-hard member of the "Cowboys Nation" or just looking to watch a specific game, figuring out how to tune in can sometimes feel like navigating a complex maze of channels and streaming services. But fear not, we're here to break it down for you, step by step, so you won't miss a single touchdown!
How to Watch the Dallas Cowboys Game Today on TV: Your Ultimate Guide
Step 1: Discover When and Where the Cowboys are Playing Today!
The very first thing you need to know is if the Cowboys are even playing today, and if so, what channel their game is on! There's nothing worse than settling in with your snacks, only to realize the game isn't on when you thought it would be.
Check the Official Schedule: The most reliable source for game times and broadcast networks is the official NFL website or the Dallas Cowboys' official schedule page (
). These will tell you the exact date, time (local and ET), opponent, and the primary TV network carrying the game.dallascowboys.com/schedule Local Sports News: Check your local sports news outlets or their websites. They often provide detailed schedules for regional teams.
Sports Apps and Websites: Popular sports apps like ESPN, NFL.com, or even a quick Google search for "Dallas Cowboys game today" will typically give you instant results for game time and channel.
Important Note: The NFL schedule is often released in May, but flex scheduling can sometimes change primetime games later in the season. Always double-check closer to game day!
Step 2: Identify the Broadcast Network for the Game
Once you know the Cowboys are playing, the next crucial piece of information is which network is broadcasting the game. NFL games are spread across several major networks:
CBS: Often carries AFC games, but also features NFC matchups, especially afternoon games.
FOX: Primarily broadcasts NFC games, including many Cowboys games, especially on Sunday afternoons.
NBC: Home of Sunday Night Football, a frequent primetime slot for the Cowboys.
ESPN/ABC: Exclusively carries Monday Night Football. Some games may be simulcast on ABC.
Amazon Prime Video: The exclusive home for Thursday Night Football.
NFL Network: Broadcasts some Thursday Night Football games (often simulcast with Amazon Prime Video), select international games, and some preseason matchups.
NFL+ (formerly NFL Game Pass): Offers live local and primetime regular season games on mobile devices, and full game replays after the live broadcast.
Netflix: Starting in 2024, Netflix will carry at least one NFL Christmas Day game. The Cowboys might be featured here in future seasons.
Step 3: Choose Your Viewing Method
Now that you know the network, it's time to figure out how you'll access that channel. You have several options, ranging from traditional cable to modern streaming services.
Sub-heading: Traditional TV (Cable, Satellite, Antenna)
Cable or Satellite TV Subscription:
If you have a cable or satellite TV package, this is often the most straightforward way. Simply tune into the channel (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network) designated for the game. Make sure your package includes these channels.
Pro-Tip: Some cable/satellite providers also offer their own streaming apps, allowing you to watch on mobile devices or computers using your subscription.
Over-the-Air (OTA) Antenna:
This is a fantastic, free option for watching local games on CBS, FOX, and NBC. If you're within range of your local affiliate's broadcast tower, a simple HDTV antenna can pick up these channels in high definition.
How to Check: Websites like AntennaWeb.org or the FCC's DTV Reception Maps can help you determine which channels are available in your area and what type of antenna you might need. This is often the most cost-effective way to watch many Cowboys games.
Sub-heading: Live TV Streaming Services (Cord-Cutting Options)
If you've cut the cord or prefer to stream, these services offer live access to the major networks that carry NFL games. Most offer free trials, so you can test them out!
YouTube TV:
Pros: Includes CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network in its base package. Offers unlimited DVR storage, which is great for recording games. Has an NFL Sunday Ticket add-on for out-of-market games.
Cons: Can be pricier than some other options.
Hulu + Live TV:
Pros: Includes CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network. Also comes with a vast on-demand library from Hulu.
Cons: Can be more expensive than basic streaming packages.
Sling TV:
Pros: More affordable base packages. Sling Orange (for ESPN) and Sling Blue (for FOX/NBC in select markets, plus NFL Network) can be combined for more comprehensive coverage. Has an "NFL RedZone" add-on.
Cons: Local channel availability (FOX, NBC) is limited to select markets. CBS is not available directly on Sling, requiring Paramount+ for those games.
FuboTV:
Pros: Strong sports focus, includes CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network. Excellent for overall sports enthusiasts.
Cons: Can be on the higher end of pricing.
DirecTV Stream:
Pros: Offers comprehensive channel lineups, including all the major networks for NFL games.
Cons: Tends to be one of the more expensive streaming options.
Paramount+:
Pros: Streams all CBS NFL games live (in most markets). If the Cowboys are on CBS, this is a very affordable option.
Cons: Only covers CBS games, so you'll need other solutions for games on FOX, NBC, ESPN, etc.
Sub-heading: Dedicated NFL Streaming Options
NFL Sunday Ticket (via YouTube TV):
Best for: Watching out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. If you live outside the Dallas Cowboys' primary broadcast area and want to watch every Sunday game, this is your primary option.
How it works: Purchased as an add-on to YouTube TV.
NFL+:
Best for: Watching live local and primetime games on your mobile device. Also offers replays of all games after they air.
How it works: Subscription service directly from the NFL. NFL+ Premium offers ad-free full game replays and NFL RedZone.
Amazon Prime Video:
Best for: Thursday Night Football. If the Cowboys play on a Thursday, Prime Video will be your go-to.
How it works: Requires an Amazon Prime subscription.
Step 4: Consider International Options and VPNs (with Caution)
If you are outside of the United States, your options might be different:
NFL Game Pass International (via DAZN):
Best for: International fans who want to watch every NFL game live.
How it works: Subscription service available in many countries outside the US and China. Provides live and on-demand access to all regular season and postseason games.
VPN (Virtual Private Network):
Some users outside the US may attempt to use a VPN to access US-based streaming services or NFL Sunday Ticket.
Important Considerations:
Using a VPN can violate the terms of service of streaming platforms.
The legality of using a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions can vary by region.
VPNs can sometimes lead to buffering or lower video quality if the server is congested.
We advise users to be aware of the terms of service and legality in their region before considering this option.
Step 5: Double-Check and Enjoy the Game!
Once you've decided on your method, do a quick check before kickoff:
Verify your subscription is active.
Ensure your internet connection is stable if you're streaming.
Know the exact channel number or how to navigate to the live stream.
Then, sit back, relax, and get ready to cheer on America's Team!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to watch the Dallas Cowboys preseason games?
Dallas Cowboys preseason games are often broadcast on local affiliate stations (like KTVT in Dallas-Fort Worth) and can also be available on NFL Network or NFL+. Check the official Cowboys schedule for specific preseason broadcast details.
How to watch out-of-market Dallas Cowboys games on TV?
The best way to watch out-of-market Dallas Cowboys games on TV is through NFL Sunday Ticket, which is exclusively available as an add-on to a YouTube TV subscription.
How to watch Dallas Cowboys games for free?
You can watch Dallas Cowboys games for free if they are broadcast on your local CBS, FOX, or NBC affiliate, by using an over-the-air (OTA) antenna. Some streaming services offer free trials, but these are temporary.
How to stream Dallas Cowboys games on my phone?
You can stream Dallas Cowboys games live on your phone via the NFL Mobile App (for in-market and primetime games) or with an NFL+ subscription. Live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, or FuboTV also have mobile apps.
How to find out which channel the Dallas Cowboys game is on today?
Check the official NFL website or Dallas Cowboys schedule page, or perform a quick Google search for "Dallas Cowboys game today" which will usually display the network and kickoff time.
How to watch Monday Night Football if the Cowboys are playing?
If the Dallas Cowboys are playing on Monday Night Football, you can watch the game on ESPN or typically on ABC (via simulcast). Live TV streaming services that include ESPN will also carry the game.
How to watch Thursday Night Football if the Cowboys are playing?
If the Dallas Cowboys are playing on Thursday Night Football, the game will be exclusively broadcast on Amazon Prime Video. You will need an Amazon Prime subscription to watch.
How to watch Sunday Night Football if the Cowboys are playing?
If the Dallas Cowboys are playing on Sunday Night Football, you can watch the game on NBC. Live TV streaming services that include NBC will also carry the game, and you can often stream it for free on the NBC Sports app or Peacock Premium.
How to watch every Dallas Cowboys game live?
To watch every Dallas Cowboys game live, you'll likely need a combination of services: a Live TV streaming service (like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV) for local and primetime games, NFL Sunday Ticket for out-of-market Sunday afternoon games, and Amazon Prime Video for Thursday Night Football.
How to listen to Dallas Cowboys games on the radio?
You can listen to Dallas Cowboys games on the radio via the Dallas Cowboys Radio Network (flagship station KRLD-FM in Dallas-Fort Worth, and various affiliates across the US and Mexico). You can also listen via NFL+ (audio pass) or services like TuneIn Premium and SiriusXM NFL Radio.