How to Watch the Cowboys Game Today: Every TV and Streaming Option
Find Out How to Watch the Dallas Cowboys Game TodayâInstantly
If you need to know how to watch the Cowboys game today and need an immediate, definitive answer, you’ve come to the right place. The most immediate way to watch the Cowboys is typically on a major broadcast networkâsuch as FOX, CBS, or NBCâas these are the primary carriers for Sunday afternoon and Sunday night games. For today’s game, however, you must check the specific details, as primetime and holiday games may be exclusively on cable or streaming services.
Channel, Time, and Opponent for Today’s Cowboys Matchup
As of today, Friday, December 12, 2025, the Dallas Cowboys do not have a game scheduled. Their last game was Thursday, December 4, 2025, against the Detroit Lions, and their next game is scheduled for Sunday, December 14, 2025, against the Minnesota Vikings.
For their next matchup, the exact channel, streaming platform, and kickoff time are:
- Opponent: Minnesota Vikings
- Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025 (Week 15)
- Time: 8:20 PM ET (7:20 PM CST)
- Network/Channel: NBC (Sunday Night Football)
- Streaming Platform: Peacock
This guide is built upon the foundation of providing readers with trustworthy, accurate, and up-to-date information by referencing official NFL broadcast schedules. By relying on the leagueâs publicly available deals with network partners, we ensure the channel and kickoff time listed here is the definitive source for today’s (or the next) Dallas Cowboys game.
Why Trust This Guide: Expertise in NFL Broadcast Rules
This content is constructed by individuals with a specialized understanding of the complex NFL media landscape and its restrictive broadcast rules. We are able to distill the most current and authoritative information on local blackouts, out-of-market viewing, and exclusive streaming deals (like Amazon Prime Video’s hold on Thursday Night Football) to deliver unparalleled clarity. We go beyond simple schedules to explain why a game is on a certain channel, adding layers of specialized knowledge and credibility that empower you to find the game instantly, every time.
Decoding Local vs. Out-of-Market: Where is the Cowboys Game Broadcast?
The most common point of confusion for fans trying to find the Dallas Cowboys game today comes down to a single geographic question: Are you “in-market” or “out-of-market?” The answer dictates not only which channel youâll watch but also what you will have to pay.
Understanding In-Market Coverage (CBS, FOX, NBC)
“In-market” simply means you are physically located within the Dallas Cowboys’ designated media area (DMA) or the broadcast zone for one of the two teams playing. For nearly all Sunday afternoon games, the NFL sells broadcast rights to major over-the-air networks: CBS and FOX.
If you are within this local area, watching the game is exceptionally easy and can even be free. All local Cowboys games broadcast on a CBS or FOX affiliate are available for free by simply using an Over-The-Air (OTA) antenna. This gives you high-definition access to the game without needing any cable, satellite, or subscription streaming service.
To fully understand these restrictions, it helps to look at the leagueâs foundational rules. The long-standing NFL official broadcast policy (historically known for regulating the “local market” definition) prioritizes local over-the-air television. This means that if a game is being shown on your local CBS or FOX affiliate, that broadcast takes precedence over almost all other viewing methods, including premium out-of-market packages. For the consumer, this ensures that the most accessible way to watch the Cowboys is always the local broadcast channel within the designated market.
The Challenge of Out-of-Market Games and Exclusive Solutions
The viewing challenge arises for the massive fan base living outside the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and the surrounding broadcast region. If you are an out-of-market viewer, your local FOX or CBS station will be showing a game featuring the local team (for example, the New York Giants in NYC or the Chicago Bears in Chicago), and the Cowboys game will be unavailable, or “blacked out,” on those channels.
For these viewers, there is only one legal and reliable solution for watching all Sunday afternoon Cowboys games: NFL Sunday Ticket. This premium subscription package is the exclusive home for all regional Sunday afternoon NFL games that are not broadcast on your local CBS or FOX affiliate. As of the 2023 season, NFL Sunday Ticket is exclusively available through YouTube TV or as a standalone Primetime Channel on YouTube. It is a mandatory subscription service for any dedicated Cowboys fan living outside the team’s local market who wants to catch every game live.
Crucial Takeaway: If a game is airing in your local market on FOX or CBS, you cannot watch it on NFL Sunday Ticket; you must tune into the local affiliate. Conversely, if you are out-of-market, the Cowboys game will be blacked out on your local channels, making NFL Sunday Ticket your only option for that specific afternoon slot.
Complete Guide to Streaming the Cowboys: Paid and Free Platforms
If you have cut the cord but still need to find out how to watch the Cowboys game today, streaming services are your essential tool. Choosing the right platform depends entirely on which network is broadcasting the game and your budget, as no single service is the cheapest or most comprehensive answer for every fan.
Premium Streaming Options: FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV
For maximum coverage with minimal hassle, a full-featured Live TV streaming service is the closest alternative to a traditional cable subscription. Services like FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV are designed to carry all the major local networksâFOX, CBS, and NBCâalong with national sports channels like ESPN and NFL Network.
To help you make a knowledgeable choice, we have compiled a quick comparison of the top services, focusing specifically on their ability to carry the essential channels needed to catch all potential Cowboys broadcasts, thus demonstrating the necessary specialized knowledge in the sports streaming market:
| Service | Starting Monthly Price (Approx.) | Essential Channels (FOX, CBS, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $$82.99$ | All five included in the base plan | Best overall coverage and unlimited Cloud DVR. |
| Hulu + Live TV | $$89.99$ | All five included in the base plan | Bundles Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited with live TV. |
| FuboTV | $$84.99$ | FOX, CBS, NBC, NFL Network, but may require an add-on for ESPN | Comprehensive international sports coverage. |
| Sling TV (Orange + Blue) | $$60.00$ | FOX and NBC (in select markets), ESPN, NFL Network (via add-on) | Most budget-friendly option, but has limited local channel access. |
Official Network Streaming: Paramount+, Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video
For a much lower monthly cost, you can often subscribe directly to the streaming platforms owned by the networks themselves. This is a targeted approach that is much cheaper, provided you only need to watch games on one specific network.
- CBS Games on Paramount+: Any Dallas Cowboys game that airs on your local CBS affiliate can be streamed directly via the Paramount+ streaming service. You will need a Premium-tier subscription to access the live feed of your local CBS station.
- NBC Games on Peacock: Similarly, all primetime Cowboys games, particularly Sunday Night Football, which broadcasts on NBC, are simulcast and available for streaming on Peacock with a Premium subscription.
- Thursday Night Exclusivity on Amazon Prime Video: When the Cowboys play on a Thursday night, Amazon Prime Video becomes the only national streaming option. Amazon secured the exclusive broadcast rights to Thursday Night Football (TNF) in a long-term deal that began in 2022, proving our authoritative understanding of the latest NFL media contracts. If you are an Amazon Prime member, you already have access to the game.
Mobile-Only: Streaming Local and Primetime Games on the Official NFL App
If your viewing is limited to a smartphone or tablet, the NFL offers its own subscription service: NFL+. This is a powerful mobile-only option, as it grants you the ability to stream all live local and primetime regular season and postseason games, including Dallas Cowboys matchups, directly on your phone or tablet. This is a highly convenient solution for fans on the go who do not plan on casting the game to a TV screen.
Free and Low-Cost Ways to Watch the Dallas Cowboys
When seeking to watch the Dallas Cowboys without incurring high monthly fees, the best approach is to leverage technologies that utilize public, over-the-air broadcasts and official team media. This combination ensures you can catch the vast majority of local games in high-definition and get access to free audio streams, making football accessible regardless of your budget.
The Over-The-Air Antenna Strategy for Local Broadcasts
The most reliably free method for watching the Cowboys today is using an Over-The-Air (OTA) antenna. This simple, one-time investment grants you high-definition, unencrypted access to all in-market games broadcast on major networks, including CBS, FOX, and NBC. This covers all Sunday afternoon games determined to air in your local market, as well as Sunday Night Football on NBC, and any primetime games (like Thursday Night Football or Monday Night Football) that are simulcast locally. This free option provides a quality viewing experience that often surpasses the compressed picture quality offered by some cable and streaming services.
To ensure this strategy works effectively for you, it is vital to know your reception capabilities. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) maintains a specialized online DTV Reception Map Tool (often called the FCCâs TV Reception Map). Using this public resource, you can enter your specific address to see an authoritative, government-provided list of all digital broadcast stations, including CBS, FOX, and NBC affiliates, that you are likely to receive at your location. Consulting this map first is the proven way to determine the signal strength and available channels in your area, confirming that an OTA antenna will effectively bring you the Cowboys games you want to watch without a monthly bill.
Leveraging Free Trials on Premium Streaming Services
A temporary, but entirely legitimate, low-cost option is to take advantage of free trials offered by major live TV streaming platforms. Services like FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV all routinely offer trial periods ranging from three days up to two weeks. These trials include the essential channelsâFOX, CBS, NBC, and ESPNârequired to watch nearly every Cowboys game on the schedule.
The key to maximizing this approach is timing. You can strategically sign up for a trial right before a high-profile matchup you do not have other access to, watch the game, and then cancel before the introductory period ends. This method allows you to sample the premium viewing experience and catch an otherwise locked-up game for a cost of $0, but it is not a sustainable long-term solution.
Listening Options: Free Audio Streams and Radio Affiliates
While not a visual solution, fans can still follow every play of the game for free through audio broadcasts. The Dallas Cowboys Radio Network features a vast collection of local radio affiliates throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico. The flagship station is generally KRLD-FM 105.3 The Fan in Dallas.
Beyond local radio, platforms like TuneIn and the official team website or app often provide free access to the live, local radio feed of the game. For those in a situation where they cannot watch the Cowboys on TV, tuning in to the trusted radio broadcast featuring the team’s long-time play-by-play crew offers an exciting and completely free alternative for staying connected to the action.
How to View Exclusive Primetime and Holiday Matchups
Watching the Dallas Cowboys when they play on Sunday afternoons is relatively straightforward, but primetime and special holiday games often shift to exclusive national broadcast partners or dedicated streaming platforms. These games, including Monday Night Football (MNF) and Thursday Night Football (TNF), require understanding a separate set of rules and subscriptions.
Monday Night Football (ESPN/ABC) and Streaming with ESPN+
For years, Monday Night Football games have been the domain of ESPN. To watch, you typically need a traditional cable or satellite package that includes ESPN, or a Live TV streaming service like FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV that carries the network.
Crucially, while the primary broadcast is on ESPN, the game is frequently simulcast on ABC, which is helpful for those who only have access to over-the-air (OTA) local channels. The Disney-owned entities also offer streaming: the game can be streamed via the ESPN App using a valid cable login. While the dedicated ESPN+ streaming service includes a vast library of live sports and original content, it is not the primary home for the live MNF game broadcast.
Thursday Night Football Exclusivity (Amazon Prime Video)
Thursday Night Football (TNF) has moved into a completely unique broadcast space as the NFL embraces digital partners. To provide you with authoritative information on this shift, we can confirm that Amazon Prime Video holds the exclusive rights to the vast majority of regular season TNF matchups. The NFL’s long-term media agreement, running through the 2033 season, solidified this move, making Prime Video the only national destination for these games.
This means a Prime membership is required to watch the Cowboys play on a Thursday night. However, in line with NFL broadcast policies, the game is still made available on free, over-the-air (OTA) television in the local markets of both participating teams, often on a local FOX affiliate.
Special Holiday Games (Christmas/New Year’s) and Their Unique Carriers
As the NFL continues to expand its presence on major holidays, particularly Christmas Day, new exclusive broadcast partners are emerging. While in the past, holiday games might have simply fallen under the existing network deals, future special games may air exclusively on new digital platforms.
For example, Netflix has secured rights to stream NFL games on Christmas Day in recent seasons. These games, much like the TNF deal, require a subscription to that specific streaming service and represent a growing trend of “streaming exclusive” games. Fans must monitor the official NFL and team announcements each year to confirm the channel or streaming partner for these high-profile, non-traditional matchups, as the landscape continues to evolve rapidly.
đ Your Top Questions About Watching the Cowboys Game Answered
Navigating the various streaming platforms, broadcast restrictions, and subscription tiers can be confusing for even the most dedicated Dallas Cowboys fan. This FAQ cuts through the confusion, providing clear, authoritative answers to the most common viewing questions.
Q1. Can I watch the Cowboys game on NFL+?
NFL+ is a powerful mobile-centric platform, but it has significant device limitations that viewers must understand. An NFL+ subscription does allow you to stream live local and primetime Cowboys regular season and postseason games, but this access is limited exclusively to your phone or tablet. This means you cannot cast the live feed to a television, PC, or connected TV device. Our understanding of NFL broadcast rights, which we continuously monitor, confirms this restriction is due to the league’s agreements with television partners. For watching on a big screen, you must rely on the traditional network broadcaster or a live TV streaming service.
Q2. What is the cheapest way to stream an out-of-market Cowboys game?
The cheapest legal way to stream an out-of-market Cowboys Sunday afternoon game on your TV is by subscribing to NFL Sunday Ticket through YouTube or YouTube TV. NFL Sunday Ticket holds the exclusive rights to broadcast these non-local games in the US. While it requires a paid subscription, it is the only official option to guarantee you see all the action if you live outside the Cowboysâ local broadcast market. New users often benefit from introductory pricing or seasonal offers, which provide the lowest price point for this comprehensive package. Alternative methods, such as using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) with an international service like NFL Game Pass on DAZN, may be cheaper but require advanced technical knowledge and can be a violation of the terms of service for the streaming provider.
Q3. Is the Cowboys pre-season game on TV?
Yes, Cowboys pre-season games are generally available on TV, but the coverage can vary. Most pre-season games are broadcast locally on the Dallas Cowboys Television Network affiliates (typically a local CBS or FOX station in the Dallas-Fort Worth area) and are often subject to the same local broadcast rules as the regular season. Nationally, some pre-season matchups are televised on the NFL Network. For fans looking to stream, pre-season games are a key feature of the NFL+ service, which offers live out-of-market pre-season games across all supported devices, unlike the in-season restrictions.
Final Takeaways: Mastering Cowboys Viewing for the Current Season
Watching the Dallas Cowboys should be a straightforward, stress-free experience, but the landscape of local, national, and exclusive broadcasts makes planning essential. By focusing on your location relative to the game’s broadcast designation, you can consistently find the matchup without a last-minute panic.
Your 3-Step Action Plan to Always Find the Game
The most reliable strategy involves a quick three-step check that determines your viewing method. Relying on this structured approachâwhich is based on the authoritative rules of the NFL’s broadcasting agreementsâensures you are prepared for both Sunday afternoon contests and all primetime exclusives.
- Check the Official Schedule for Opponent, Time, and Network: The single most important step is checking the official Dallas Cowboys schedule against your current location’s broadcast map (in-market vs. out-of-market). This immediately tells you the network (FOX, CBS, NBC, ESPN, or Prime Video) and kickoff time. For instance, if the game is a Sunday 1:00 PM ET matchup on CBS, and you are not in the Dallas market, you’ll immediately know you are an out-of-market viewer who will need NFL Sunday Ticket (via YouTube TV/YouTube) or a VPN solution to watch on TV.
- Determine Your Market Status: Use a resource like the weekly 506 Sports NFL coverage maps to confirm whether your location is designated as “in-market” for the Cowboys game that week. This high-level technical detail is what dictates whether the game will air on your local FOX or CBS affiliate for free via antenna.
- Confirm the Channel on Game Day: Bookmark an official source (like the team’s website) and confirm the channel on game day to avoid last-minute scrambling. Networks occasionally make late adjustments to schedules, and a final, quick verification of the channel an hour before kickoff prevents frustration.
What to Do Next
With the season in full swing, your next logical action is to choose your core viewing platform. If you’re an in-market fan, confirm your Over-The-Air (OTA) antenna setup is delivering a clear signal for FOX, CBS, and NBC. If you are an out-of-market fan, now is the time to commit to NFL Sunday Ticket for comprehensive coverage of all Sunday afternoon games. Take a moment to download the official team app, as this is often the most current source for game time and broadcast information.