Cowboys Game Today: Kickoff Times & Streaming Guide

Nick Leason

-Sep 29, 2025

Cowboys Game Today: Kickoff Times & Streaming Guide

Find out everything you need to know about the Dallas Cowboys game today, including kick-off times, the broadcast channel, and all available streaming options. This comprehensive guide ensures you won't miss a single play, whether you're at home or on the go.

Key Takeaways

Verify Schedule: Always confirm the official Dallas Cowboys schedule and local broadcast listings for today's specific game details.
Broadcast TV: Most Cowboys games are televised nationally on networks like FOX, CBS, NBC, ESPN, or Amazon Prime Video (Thursday Night Football).
Streaming Services: Live TV streaming platforms (e.g., YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, fuboTV, DirecTV Stream) offer access to most games, often requiring a subscription.
Out-of-Market: NFL Sunday Ticket (via YouTube TV) is the primary solution for watching out-of-market games.
Mobile Access: NFL+ provides live local and primetime games on mobile devices and tablets, plus radio broadcasts for all games.
Radio: Local radio affiliates offer audio broadcasts, a great alternative if video isn't an option.

Introduction

For millions of passionate fans across the United States and beyond, the Dallas Cowboys are more than just a football team; they're a Sunday (or Thursday, or Monday) tradition. The thrill of game day, the anticipation of kickoff, and the shared experience of cheering on America's Team are central to the NFL season. However, with an increasingly fragmented media landscape, pinpointing exactly how and where to watch the Cowboys game today can sometimes feel like a puzzle.

This guide is designed to cut through the confusion, providing a definitive resource for Dallas Cowboys fans. We'll cover all the bases, from identifying the precise kick-off time and the television channel carrying the broadcast to exploring the myriad of streaming services and alternative viewing methods. Our goal is to empower you with all the information needed to enjoy every moment of today's Cowboys game, ensuring you're always connected to the action, no matter your location or preferred viewing platform.

What & Why: Understanding Cowboys Game Day

At its core, a "Cowboys game today" refers to a scheduled professional American football match involving the Dallas Cowboys. These games are part of the National Football League (NFL) season, which typically runs from early September through early February, culminating in the Super Bowl. Each game is a crucial event, contributing to the team's record and their pursuit of a playoff berth and ultimately, a championship.

The Dynamics of an NFL Season

The NFL season is structured into three main phases:

Preseason (August): A series of exhibition games where teams evaluate rosters and prepare for the regular season. While not counting towards standings, these games are an early look at the team.
Regular Season (September – Early January): The core of the season, consisting of 17 games played over 18 weeks. Each game's outcome directly impacts the team's standing in their division (NFC East) and conference (NFC).
Postseason (Mid-January – Early February): The playoffs, a single-elimination tournament for the top teams from each conference, leading to the Super Bowl.

Understanding which part of the season today's game falls into can often influence its perceived importance and how widely it's broadcast.

Why Keeping Up with the Cowboys Matters

For fans, staying informed about the Cowboys game today is paramount for several reasons:

Passion and Connection: Following the team is a fundamental aspect of fan identity. It's about camaraderie, shared experiences, and a deep emotional investment in the team's success.
Fantasy Football: Millions of people play fantasy football, and knowing when their Cowboys players are active is essential for managing their teams.
Sports Betting: For those interested in sports betting, accurate game day information is critical for making informed wagers.
Social Engagement: Game days are social events, whether watching with friends and family, or engaging in online discussions and reactions.
Civic Pride: In Dallas and across Texas, the Cowboys are a source of immense regional pride, and their performance is often a topic of widespread conversation.

Missing a game means missing a key chapter in the team's season, a potential highlight, or a crucial moment that could define their year. Therefore, having a reliable way to access today's Cowboys game is not just a convenience, but a necessity for many.

How-To / Steps: Finding and Watching the Cowboys Game Today

To ensure you catch every snap of the Cowboys game today, follow these steps to identify game details and access viewing options. Keep in mind that schedules, broadcast channels, and streaming availability can vary based on your geographic location and the specific network carrying the game.

Step 1: Confirm Today's Schedule and Kick-off Time

The very first step is to confirm that the Dallas Cowboys are indeed playing today and what time the game begins. Always consult official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information:

Official NFL Website (NFL.com): Navigate to the official schedule section, or use the search bar for "Dallas Cowboys schedule." This is the most reliable source for game times, opponents, and initial broadcast assignments.
Official Dallas Cowboys Website (DallasCowboys.com): The team's official site will have a dedicated schedule section with all relevant information.
Reputable Sports News Outlets: Major sports media like ESPN, NFL Network, CBS Sports, FOX Sports, or local Dallas-Fort Worth sports affiliates often provide game day previews with all the essential details.

Time Zone Considerations: Pay close attention to the listed kick-off time and your local time zone. NFL games are often listed in Eastern Time (ET), so adjust accordingly if you're in Central (CT), Mountain (MT), or Pacific Time (PT).

Step 2: Identify the Broadcast Channel

Once you have the kick-off time, the next crucial piece of information is the television channel carrying the game. NFL games are broadcast across several major networks:

FOX (NFC Games): Many Cowboys games, especially those against NFC opponents, are typically broadcast on FOX affiliates. Check your local FOX channel.
CBS (AFC Games & Cross-Conference): While CBS primarily broadcasts AFC games, they do carry cross-conference matchups involving NFC teams like the Cowboys. Look for games on your local CBS channel.
NBC (Sunday Night Football): If the Cowboys are playing on a Sunday night, the game will be on NBC. This is a primetime national broadcast.
ESPN (Monday Night Football): Monday Night Football games are exclusively broadcast on ESPN. You'll need a cable TV subscription or a live TV streaming service that includes ESPN.
Amazon Prime Video (Thursday Night Football): Since the 2022 season, most Thursday Night Football games are exclusively streamed on Amazon Prime Video, requiring a Prime subscription.
NFL Network: The NFL Network carries a limited number of exclusive games throughout the season, often including some international games or Saturday matchups late in the season. It's typically available through cable/satellite providers or certain streaming services.

Step 3: Choose Your Viewing Method: Cable, Satellite, or Streaming

After identifying the channel, select the best way to watch the game based on your current setup and preferences.

A. Traditional Cable/Satellite TV

If you have a cable or satellite subscription (e.g., Xfinity, Spectrum, DirecTV, DISH), simply tune into the identified local affiliate (FOX, CBS, NBC) or the respective national sports channel (ESPN, NFL Network). This remains a straightforward way to watch games, especially for local broadcasts.

B. Live TV Streaming Services (Cord-Cutting Options)

For those without traditional cable, a live TV streaming service offers a comprehensive alternative, providing access to major broadcast networks and sports channels. Most offer free trials:

YouTube TV: Includes local FOX, CBS, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network. Also the exclusive home for NFL Sunday Ticket.
Hulu + Live TV: Offers local FOX, CBS, NBC, and ESPN. Does not typically include NFL Network.
Sling TV (Orange & Blue plans): "Sling Blue" offers FOX and NBC in select markets, plus NFL Network. "Sling Orange" includes ESPN. Combining both gives a broader range, but local CBS might be missing.
fuboTV: Strong sports focus, includes local FOX, CBS, NBC, and NFL Network, plus many regional sports networks. Does not include ESPN.
DirecTV Stream: Comprehensive package including local FOX, CBS, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network, but tends to be pricier.

C. NFL-Specific Streaming Options

These options are tailored specifically for NFL content:

NFL+ (Premium): This is crucial for mobile viewers. NFL+ Premium offers live local and primetime regular season games on mobile devices and tablets only. It also provides live out-of-market preseason games, live game audio (radio broadcast) for all games, and full game replays. Note: It does not offer live out-of-market regular season games on TVs or larger screens.
NFL Sunday Ticket (via YouTube TV): The ultimate solution for out-of-market fans. If you don't live in the Dallas market and want to watch every Sunday afternoon Cowboys game, NFL Sunday Ticket (now exclusively available through YouTube TV) is your best bet. It allows you to watch all out-of-market Sunday afternoon games live.
Amazon Prime Video: As mentioned, if the Cowboys are playing on Thursday Night Football, a Prime Video subscription is necessary for live streaming.

D. Radio Broadcasts

If visual access isn't possible, or you prefer the traditional game call, radio broadcasts are an excellent option:

Local Radio Affiliates: The official radio flagship station for the Dallas Cowboys in the DFW metroplex is usually 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM). Check the official Cowboys website for a list of affiliate stations across Texas and surrounding states.
NFL+ Premium: As noted above, NFL+ Premium provides live game audio for all NFL games, making it a convenient option for radio access.
SiriusXM NFL Radio: Subscribers to SiriusXM satellite radio can tune into dedicated NFL channels for live game broadcasts.

Step 4: Troubleshooting and Geographic Restrictions

Local Market Rules: NFL broadcasting rules dictate that games played by your local team (e.g., Cowboys in Dallas-Fort Worth) are typically broadcast on local FOX or CBS affiliates. These games are not available on NFL Sunday Ticket in your home market.
Blackout Restrictions: While less common now, games can be blacked out in local markets if certain conditions (like stadium attendance) aren't met. However, the NFL largely lifted these restrictions.
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks): Some fans use VPNs to bypass geographic restrictions and access out-of-market content. However, the legality and terms of service for streaming providers regarding VPN use can be complex and may violate their policies.

By following these steps, you should be well-equipped to find and enjoy the Dallas Cowboys game today, regardless of where you are or how you prefer to watch.

Examples & Use Cases

Let's consider a few real-world scenarios to illustrate how different fans might access the Dallas Cowboys game today.

Scenario 1: The Local Fan with Cable TV

Sarah lives in Dallas and has a traditional cable TV subscription. She checks the official Dallas Cowboys website in the morning and sees that today's game against the Philadelphia Eagles is scheduled for 3:25 PM CT on FOX. At game time, she simply tunes her television to her local FOX affiliate (Channel 4 in Dallas-Fort Worth). Since it's a local broadcast, she experiences no issues.

Scenario 2: The Out-of-Market Fan in California

David, a lifelong Cowboys fan, now lives in Los Angeles. He wants to watch every Cowboys game. For today's 12:00 PM CT (10:00 AM PT) game against the Arizona Cardinals (an NFC opponent), which is not being shown on his local FOX or CBS channels in L.A., he relies on his NFL Sunday Ticket subscription through YouTube TV. He opens the YouTube TV app, navigates to the NFL Sunday Ticket section, and selects the live Cowboys game feed, streaming it directly to his smart TV.

Scenario 3: The Mobile-Only Viewer on the Go

Maria is traveling for work and won't be near a TV during today's 7:20 PM CT Sunday Night Football game against the San Francisco 49ers. She has an NFL+ Premium subscription. On her lunch break, she pulls out her phone, opens the NFL+ app, and streams the live NBC broadcast of the game directly on her mobile device. If she didn't have NFL+ Premium, she could still listen to the live radio broadcast through the app.

Scenario 4: The Cord-Cutter Using a Live TV Streaming Service

John recently cut the cord and subscribes to YouTube TV. Today's Cowboys game against the New York Giants is scheduled for 3:25 PM ET on FOX. John accesses the YouTube TV app on his smart TV, navigates to the live TV guide, and selects his local FOX channel. Because YouTube TV carries all major local affiliates in his area, he can watch the game live without issues. — Fair Lawn, NJ Zip Code Guide

Scenario 5: The Thursday Night Football Enthusiast

Emily is excited for tonight's Cowboys vs. Seattle Seahawks game, a Thursday Night Football matchup. She knows these games are typically exclusive to Amazon Prime Video. She ensures her Amazon Prime subscription is active, then opens the Prime Video app on her streaming device (e.g., Roku, Fire TV Stick) or web browser. She finds the live TNF broadcast and streams the game from there.

These examples highlight the flexibility and variety of options available to Dallas Cowboys fans, emphasizing the importance of knowing your resources and local broadcast rules.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Navigating the world of NFL broadcasts and streaming can sometimes be tricky. Following best practices and avoiding common pitfalls will ensure a smooth game day experience when trying to watch the Cowboys game today.

Best Practices for Watching the Cowboys Game Today

Verify Early and Often: Check the official NFL or Dallas Cowboys schedule pages a day or two before the game, and then again on game day itself. Schedules can sometimes shift due to unforeseen circumstances or flex scheduling.
Know Your Local Affiliates: Understand which local FOX, CBS, and NBC channels carry NFL games in your specific geographic area. Channel numbers can vary by provider.
Have Multiple Options: If you rely solely on one streaming service or a single TV channel, you might run into issues. Consider having a backup, such as knowing your radio broadcast option, or having a free trial to another streaming service ready to activate in a pinch.
Check Your Internet Connection: For streaming, a stable and fast internet connection is paramount. Test your Wi-Fi or wired connection speed before kickoff to avoid buffering issues.
Be Aware of Time Zones: Always double-check the kick-off time in your local time zone. Most national schedules default to Eastern Time (ET).
Update Your Apps: Ensure all your streaming apps (e.g., YouTube TV, Prime Video, NFL+) are updated to their latest versions to ensure optimal performance and access to all features.
Consider an Antenna: For local over-the-air broadcasts (FOX, CBS, NBC), a simple digital antenna can be a reliable and free way to watch games, especially if you have good signal strength.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Relying on Outdated Information: Don't trust an old bookmark or a vague memory from last season. Schedules and broadcast partners can change annually.
Ignoring Geographic Restrictions: Assuming you can watch any game on any platform, anywhere, is a common mistake. Local market rules and blackout restrictions are very real, particularly for NFL Sunday Ticket and local broadcasts.
Forgetting Streaming Service Logins: Nothing is more frustrating than trying to log into a streaming service just before kickoff and realizing you've forgotten your password or username. Store them securely or use a password manager.
Not Checking Channel Lineups: Some live TV streaming services have different channel packages. Ensure your chosen package includes all the necessary local and national sports channels.
Expecting Free Out-of-Market Games: Outside of potentially illicit streams, there's no legitimate free way to watch out-of-market NFL regular season games on a TV or large screen. Services like NFL Sunday Ticket come with a cost.
Underestimating Peak Usage: On big game days, streaming services can sometimes experience high traffic. Loading your stream a few minutes before kickoff can sometimes help alleviate initial rush hour lag.
Assuming All Mobile is All Access: Remember that NFL+ provides local and primetime games on mobile only. It does not provide all games on mobile, nor does it allow streaming of out-of-market games on larger screens.

By being proactive and informed, you can significantly reduce the chances of encountering issues and fully immerse yourself in the excitement of today's Cowboys game.

FAQs

What channel is the Cowboys game on today?

The specific channel for today's Cowboys game depends on the schedule, opponent, and time slot. Most Cowboys games are broadcast on FOX, CBS, or NBC for local Sunday afternoon games. Primetime games are on NBC (Sunday Night Football), ESPN (Monday Night Football), or Amazon Prime Video (Thursday Night Football). Always check official NFL or Dallas Cowboys schedules for the exact channel.

Can I stream the Cowboys game for free?

Legitimate free streaming options are limited. If the Cowboys game is broadcast on a local FOX, CBS, or NBC affiliate in your area, you can watch it for free over-the-air with a digital antenna. Additionally, many live TV streaming services offer free trials, allowing you to watch a game or two before committing. For mobile users, NFL+ provides live local and primetime regular season games on phones and tablets, though this requires a subscription.

What is the kick-off time for the Cowboys game today?

The kick-off time varies depending on the game's placement in the NFL schedule. Most Sunday games start at 1:00 PM ET (12:00 PM CT) or 4:05/4:25 PM ET (3:05/3:25 PM CT). Primetime games are typically 8:15 PM ET (7:15 PM CT) or 8:20 PM ET (7:20 PM CT). Always verify the exact time on the official NFL or Dallas Cowboys website and adjust for your local time zone. — Facebook Marketplace: Can't Change Delivery Options? Here's Why

How do I watch the Cowboys game if I'm out of market?

If you live outside the Dallas Cowboys' local broadcast market and want to watch all their Sunday afternoon games live, your primary option is NFL Sunday Ticket, which is now exclusively available through YouTube TV. This subscription service allows you to stream out-of-market games not shown on your local channels. For non-Sunday games (Thursday/Monday), the national broadcasters (Amazon Prime Video, ESPN) will be the source regardless of your location. — Home Depot Shipping Boxes: Your Guide

Is NFL+ worth it for Cowboys fans?

NFL+ can be worth it for Cowboys fans who primarily want to watch live local and primetime games on their mobile devices or tablets, or who want access to live game audio (radio broadcasts) for all games. The Premium tier also offers full game replays. However, if you're looking to watch out-of-market games on a TV or larger screen, NFL+ is not the solution; NFL Sunday Ticket is required for that.

How can I listen to the Cowboys game on the radio?

You can listen to the Cowboys game on their official flagship radio station, 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM) in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, or one of their many affiliate stations across the region. Additionally, NFL+ Premium subscribers can access live game audio for all NFL games through the NFL+ app. SiriusXM NFL Radio also provides live game broadcasts for subscribers.

Conclusion with CTA

Staying connected with the Dallas Cowboys, whether today's game is a critical divisional showdown or a pivotal playoff contest, should be an exciting and seamless experience. With the diverse array of traditional broadcasts and modern streaming options available, every fan has a path to watch or listen to the action. By using official sources to verify schedules and understanding your viewing choices, you can confidently prepare for kickoff.

Don't let confusion keep you from America's Team! Bookmark this guide and always check the official NFL and Dallas Cowboys schedules before game day. Get ready to cheer on the Dallas Cowboys today!

Last updated: July 20, 2024, 14:30 UTC