Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of Dallas Cowboys football right from the comfort of your couch, all on your trusty Roku TV? Excellent! You've made a great choice, as Roku provides a fantastic and user-friendly platform for all your streaming needs. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the Cowboys nation, watching America's Team on your Roku TV is easier than you might think. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you don't miss a single touchdown, tackle, or game-winning play.
Step 1: Understanding Your Viewing Options – Cable-Free or Not?
The first and most crucial step is to determine how you plan to watch the Dallas Cowboys. Do you still have a traditional cable TV subscription, or are you looking to cut the cord entirely and rely solely on streaming services? Your answer will dictate the best approach.
Sub-heading: For Cable TV Subscribers (with a Roku TV)
If you have a cable TV subscription that includes channels like CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN (which are the primary broadcasters of NFL games), you're in a great position! Your Roku TV can act as a gateway to these channels.
Option A: Using the Cable Provider's App: Many cable providers (like Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, etc.) offer their own apps that you can download on your Roku TV. These apps allow you to stream the channels included in your cable package directly through your Roku, often without needing to switch inputs. You'll just need your cable TV login credentials.
Option B: Authenticating Streaming Apps: Even if your cable provider doesn't have a dedicated Roku app, your cable subscription can be used to authenticate popular streaming apps like FOX Sports, NBC Sports, ESPN, and Paramount+. Once authenticated with your cable credentials, you can watch live games airing on those channels.
Sub-heading: For Cord-Cutters (No Cable TV)
Welcome to the future of television! Watching the Dallas Cowboys without cable on your Roku TV is entirely possible and increasingly popular. You'll primarily rely on Live TV Streaming Services.
Understanding Blackouts: It's critical to understand NFL's regional blackout rules. Games broadcast on your local CBS and FOX affiliates (which are typically Sunday afternoon games) are generally only available to stream if you are within that game's local market. If the Cowboys aren't playing in your local market, you'll need solutions like NFL Sunday Ticket (now on YouTube TV) to watch out-of-market games. Primetime games (Thursday, Sunday, and Monday nights) are usually nationally broadcast and less subject to local blackouts.
Step 2: Choosing Your Live TV Streaming Service (for Cord-Cutters)
This is where the magic happens for those ditching cable. Several excellent live TV streaming services offer the necessary channels to catch Dallas Cowboys games. Each has its pros and cons, so consider your budget, other desired channels, and features.
Sub-heading: Top Contenders for NFL Streaming on Roku
YouTube TV:
Why it's great for Cowboys fans: YouTube TV is a top contender because it typically includes all major national NFL channels: CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network. Crucially, YouTube TV is also the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket, which is essential for watching out-of-market Sunday afternoon games.
Cost: Generally one of the more comprehensive but also pricier options. NFL Sunday Ticket is an additional seasonal cost.
Roku Integration: The YouTube TV app is readily available and well-integrated on Roku devices.
Bonus Features: Offers unlimited DVR, multi-view (watch up to four games at once!), and various sports-specific features like stats and key plays.
Hulu + Live TV:
Why it's great for Cowboys fans: Includes CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and often NFL Network. It also bundles Disney+ and ESPN+, offering a wealth of other entertainment and sports content.
Cost: A competitive option, especially if you value the Disney+ and ESPN+ bundle.
Roku Integration: Excellent app on Roku.
Sling TV:
Why it's great for Cowboys fans (with caveats): Sling TV is a more budget-friendly option, but you'll need to subscribe to the Sling Orange + Blue package to get a good mix of channels (ESPN from Orange, and FOX/NBC in select markets from Blue, plus NFL Network). CBS is NOT available on Sling TV, so you'd need a separate Paramount+ subscription for those games.
Cost: Generally the cheapest of the live TV streaming services, but requires careful consideration of which channels you get.
Roku Integration: Works seamlessly on Roku.
FuboTV:
Why it's great for Cowboys fans: FuboTV is known for its strong sports focus, including a wide array of sports channels like CBS, FOX, NBC, and NFL Network. It may or may not include ESPN depending on the package, so double-check.
Cost: Mid-range to higher-end, but offers a lot of sports.
Roku Integration: FuboTV has a dedicated app for Roku.
DirecTV Stream:
Why it's great for Cowboys fans: Offers a comprehensive channel lineup, including all the major networks (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN) and NFL Network.
Cost: Tends to be one of the more expensive options.
Roku Integration: Available on Roku devices.
Step 3: Considering Specific NFL Streaming Services/Apps
Beyond the full live TV streaming services, some dedicated NFL-specific options can complement your viewing experience or serve as primary sources for certain games.
Sub-heading: Must-Have Apps for Cowboys Coverage
NFL+ (and NFL+ Premium):
What it offers: This is the official NFL streaming service. NFL+ allows you to watch live local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your phone or tablet. NFL+ Premium also includes full game replays (ad-free), condensed game replays, and All-22 coaches film, plus NFL RedZone on connected devices.
Roku TV Compatibility: While some features are mobile-only, the NFL app is available on Roku TV. NFL+ Premium subscribers can access NFL Network and NFL RedZone on their Roku TV.
Why it's useful: Great for catching games on the go, or for replays if you missed a live game. NFL RedZone is a fantasy football fan's dream.
Paramount+:
What it offers: If a Dallas Cowboys game is airing on CBS in your local market, you can stream it live via Paramount+. This is a much cheaper alternative if you only care about CBS games.
Cost: Relatively inexpensive, with various tiers.
Roku Integration: Excellent app on Roku.
Peacock:
What it offers: Peacock is the streaming home for NBC Sports content, which includes Sunday Night Football games. If the Cowboys are playing on SNF, you can watch it live here. Peacock also has exclusive NFL games occasionally throughout the season.
Cost: Offers a free tier with some content, but you'll need a Peacock Premium subscription for live NFL games.
Roku Integration: Dedicated app available on Roku.
Amazon Prime Video:
What it offers: Since the 2022 season, Amazon Prime Video has been the exclusive home for Thursday Night Football (TNF). If the Dallas Cowboys have a Thursday night game, you must have an Amazon Prime subscription to watch it live.
Cost: Included with an Amazon Prime membership.
Roku Integration: The Amazon Prime Video app is pre-installed or easily downloadable on all Roku TVs.
Step 4: Setting Up Your Roku TV for Cowboys Domination
Now that you know your viewing strategy, let's get your Roku TV ready!
Sub-heading: Initial Roku Setup (if not already done)
Unbox and Connect: If your Roku TV is new, take it out of the box, connect it to power, and plug in any necessary HDMI cables (e.g., for a soundbar or gaming console).
Connect to Wi-Fi: Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your Roku TV to your home Wi-Fi network. A strong, stable internet connection is paramount for smooth streaming.
Activate Your Roku Account: You'll be prompted to activate your Roku TV by linking it to a Roku account. This is free and essential for downloading channels. Go to the URL provided on your screen (usually
roku.com/link
Sub-heading: Adding Channels (Apps) to Your Roku TV
Navigate to the Home Screen: Press the "Home" button on your Roku remote.
Go to "Streaming Channels": Scroll down and select "Streaming Channels" (or "Channel Store").
Search for Your Desired App: Use the on-screen keyboard to search for the streaming service app you want to add (e.g., "YouTube TV," "Hulu," "Sling," "Fubo," "NFL," "Paramount+," "Peacock," "Prime Video").
Add the Channel: Select the app from the search results and then choose "Add channel."
Sign In: Once the channel is added, go back to your Roku home screen, find the newly added channel, and open it. You'll then be prompted to sign in with your subscription credentials.
Step 5: Finding the Dallas Cowboys Game When It's Game Time!
The big moment! Here’s how to find the Cowboys game once it’s live.
Sub-heading: Using the Specific App
Open the Relevant App: Launch the streaming app that is broadcasting the game (e.g., YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Paramount+, Prime Video).
Navigate to Live TV/Sports Section: Most live TV streaming apps have a "Live" or "Sports" section where current games are highlighted.
Find the Game: Look for the Dallas Cowboys game in the live listings. It will typically be listed by team names or channel.
Tune In! Select the game to start watching.
Sub-heading: Leveraging Roku's "Sports" Feature
Roku has a built-in "Sports" feature on its home screen that can help you find live and upcoming games and see which channels are broadcasting them.
Go to the Roku Home Screen: Press the "Home" button.
Select "Sports": Look for the "Sports" tile or option on your home screen.
Browse Games: Roku will show you a list of live and upcoming sports events, including NFL games.
Choose the Cowboys Game: Select the Dallas Cowboys game, and Roku will tell you which channels (apps) are carrying it. You can then launch the appropriate app directly from there.
Step 6: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even the most seasoned streamers encounter hiccups. Here are some quick fixes for common issues.
Sub-heading: Solving Streaming Problems
Buffering or Poor Quality:
Check your internet connection: Run a speed test on your Roku (Settings > Network > Check connection) or on another device. For HD streaming, you generally need at least 5-10 Mbps.
Restart your router and modem: Unplug them for 30 seconds, then plug them back in.
Move closer to your Wi-Fi router: Or consider a Wi-Fi extender if your TV is far.
Close other apps/devices: If multiple devices are using your bandwidth, streaming quality can suffer.
Lower streaming quality (if option is available): Some apps allow you to manually adjust video quality.
App Crashing or Not Loading:
Restart the app: Go back to the Roku home screen, highlight the app, press the * button on your remote, and select "Remove channel." Then, re-add the channel from the Streaming Channels store and sign back in.
Restart your Roku TV: Go to Settings > System > Power > System restart.
Check for Roku system updates: Settings > System > System update.
"Game Blacked Out" Message:
This usually means the game is not airing in your local market on that specific channel due to NFL's blackout rules.
Your primary solution for out-of-market games is NFL Sunday Ticket via YouTube TV.
Alternatively, if you're experiencing a blackout for a local game you should be getting, try verifying your location within the streaming app's settings (some apps require this).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about watching the Dallas Cowboys on Roku TV:
How to watch every Dallas Cowboys game on Roku TV?
To watch every Dallas Cowboys game (both in-market and out-of-market), you'll typically need a live TV streaming service that includes local channels (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN) and a subscription to NFL Sunday Ticket (now exclusively through YouTube TV) for out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. Don't forget Amazon Prime Video for Thursday Night Football.
How to watch Dallas Cowboys games for free on Roku TV?
Watching Dallas Cowboys games for free is generally limited to local, over-the-air broadcasts if you live in the Cowboys' market and have an antenna connected to your Roku TV (if it has a built-in tuner). Some streaming services offer free trials, which you can use for a short period. The NFL app also offers some free content, but not typically live full games outside of mobile devices for local/primetime.
How to get NFL RedZone on my Roku TV?
NFL RedZone is available as an add-on to many live TV streaming services like YouTube TV (often part of a sports package), Sling TV (with the Sports Extra add-on), FuboTV, and DirecTV Stream. It's also included with an NFL+ Premium subscription which can be accessed via the NFL app on Roku TV.
How to watch Dallas Cowboys preseason games on Roku TV?
Preseason games can be a bit trickier. Some are nationally televised on NFL Network, ESPN, or local affiliates, which can be accessed via live TV streaming services. Others are aired on local team-specific networks. The NFL app and NFL+ might also offer replays or live streams of specific preseason games.
How to cast a Dallas Cowboys game from my phone to Roku TV?
If you're watching a game on an app on your phone (like the NFL app, especially for NFL+ mobile-only games), you can often "cast" it to your Roku TV. Look for the "cast" icon (a small rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol) within the app on your phone. Ensure your phone and Roku TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
How to find out which channel a specific Dallas Cowboys game is on?
You can check official NFL schedules, sports news websites, or reliable TV guide apps (like the Roku Channel Guide if you have an antenna, or the guide within your live TV streaming app) for the specific channel and time of any given Dallas Cowboys game.
How to watch Dallas Cowboys games if I'm outside the US?
If you're outside the United States, NFL Game Pass International (now powered by DAZN) is your go-to. This service provides live and on-demand access to all NFL games without blackouts and is often available on Roku devices in international markets.
How to improve streaming quality for Dallas Cowboys games on Roku?
Ensure you have a strong, stable internet connection (minimum 7-10 Mbps for HD). Restart your router/modem and Roku TV. Use a wired Ethernet connection if your Roku TV has a port. Close other bandwidth-heavy applications on your network. Check for Roku system and app updates.
How to record Dallas Cowboys games on Roku TV?
If you're using a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, or DirecTV Stream, they all include cloud DVR features that allow you to record live NFL games and watch them later. Simply find the game in the guide and select the record option.
How to troubleshoot a "channel not available" error when trying to watch a Cowboys game?
This usually means the channel you're trying to access isn't part of your current subscription plan, or there might be a temporary issue with the channel's stream. Double-check your subscription, ensure you're signed in correctly, and if the issue persists, try reinstalling the app or contacting the streaming service's support.
