The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most popular and iconic football teams in the NFL, with a massive fanbase that spans the country. If you’re a Cowboys fan or just interested in catching their next big game, you might be asking, “What channel is the Cowboys game on?” Knowing where and how to watch the Cowboys is crucial, especially during the regular season, playoffs, or even preseason. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about catching the Cowboys game, from national broadcasts to local coverage and streaming options.
How to Find What Channel the Cowboys Game Is On
When it comes to watching the Cowboys, their games are often broadcast on major networks, but the channel can vary depending on the game, time, and location. Here’s a quick breakdown of the typical networks that air Cowboys games:
- FOX: Most Cowboys games, especially NFC matchups, are broadcast on FOX. This is one of the primary channels for NFL coverage, and you can expect the Cowboys to appear on this network during the regular season.
- CBS: Cowboys games are occasionally aired on CBS, typically when they play AFC teams. CBS holds the rights to AFC games, but inter-conference matchups may land here as well.
- NBC: If the Cowboys are playing in a primetime Sunday Night Football game, it will air on NBC. Sunday Night Football is a weekly event where the biggest and most anticipated matchups of the week are showcased.
- ESPN: Monday Night Football airs on ESPN, and the Cowboys frequently appear on this primetime slot. If the Cowboys are scheduled for a Monday night game, ESPN is the go-to channel.
- NFL Network: Some Cowboys games, particularly Thursday Night Football games, will air on the NFL Network. This channel is essential for die-hard fans who don’t want to miss any midweek action.
- Amazon Prime Video: Since 2022, some Thursday Night Football games, including potential Cowboys games, have been available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
- Local Channels: In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, local affiliates often carry the Cowboys game, ensuring that fans in the region can easily tune in.
Now that you know the primary networks where Cowboys games are broadcast, let’s dive deeper into the different types of coverage and how to ensure you never miss a game.
National vs. Local Broadcasts for Cowboys Games
When figuring out what channel the Cowboys game is on, it’s essential to understand the difference between national and local broadcasts.
- National Broadcasts: Networks like FOX, NBC, CBS, and ESPN carry Cowboys games across the country. These are national broadcasts, meaning anyone with access to these networks, whether through cable, satellite, or streaming services, can watch the game. Nationally televised games typically include marquee matchups, rivalry games, or primetime slots like Sunday Night Football or Monday Night Football.
- Local Broadcasts: In addition to national networks, local broadcasters often air Cowboys games for fans living in or near Dallas-Fort Worth. These games are broadcast on local FOX or CBS affiliates and are geared toward viewers in the Cowboys’ primary market. Local channels are a great option for Cowboys fans who want consistent coverage without worrying about national broadcast schedules.
Streaming the Cowboys Game: What Options Are Available?
In today’s digital age, watching the Cowboys game on TV is not your only option. Many fans prefer to stream games online for convenience or because they’ve cut the cord on traditional cable. Here are some of the best streaming options for watching the Cowboys game:
- NFL Game Pass: NFL Game Pass offers a comprehensive solution for fans who want to watch Cowboys games on demand. While it doesn’t offer live streaming for regular-season games, it provides full replays of every game, including the Cowboys. This service is perfect if you missed the live broadcast or want to rewatch key moments.
- Hulu + Live TV: Hulu offers live streaming of major networks that air Cowboys games, including FOX, CBS, NBC, and ESPN. It’s an all-in-one solution for streaming live TV and offers access to local broadcasts as well.
- YouTube TV: Like Hulu, YouTube TV provides access to networks like FOX, CBS, NBC, and ESPN. This makes it easy for Cowboys fans to watch live games. Additionally, YouTube TV includes unlimited DVR storage, so you can record Cowboys games and watch them later.
- Sling TV: Sling TV is a popular choice for cord-cutters who still want access to live sports. With packages that include FOX, NBC, and ESPN, Sling TV can cover most Cowboys games throughout the season. It’s a cost-effective way to keep up with the team without traditional cable.
- Amazon Prime Video: For Thursday Night Football, Amazon Prime Video is the exclusive streaming service for NFL games. If the Cowboys are playing on a Thursday, this is the channel you’ll need.
- NFL Mobile App: The NFL mobile app allows you to stream live Cowboys games on your phone or tablet. This is a fantastic option for fans who want to watch on the go.
Cowboys Game Schedule and Channels: Where to Check
To find out what channel the Cowboys game is on for a specific week, there are several places to check:
- NFL Website: The official NFL website offers an up-to-date schedule for every team, including the Dallas Cowboys. The schedule includes the date, time, and channel for each game.
- Cowboys Website: The Dallas Cowboys’ official site also provides a schedule with broadcast information. This is a great resource for fans who want to stay updated on game times and channels.
- Sports Apps: Apps like ESPN, Yahoo Sports, and the NFL app offer notifications and schedules, so you can easily see when and where the next Cowboys game will be broadcast.
- Local TV Listings: Your local TV guide or cable provider’s channel lineup can also help you find out what channel the Cowboys game is on. This is especially helpful for fans who rely on local broadcasts.
How to Watch Cowboys Games for Free
If you’re looking to watch the Cowboys without a cable subscription, there are still a few ways to catch the game for free:
- Antenna: If the Cowboys game is airing on a major network like FOX, CBS, or NBC, you can use an HD antenna to pick up the broadcast for free. This is a simple and cost-effective way to watch live games without needing cable or a streaming subscription.
- Free Trials: Many streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV offer free trials for new users. If you time it right, you can use these trials to watch Cowboys games for free, at least for a short period.
- NFL App: The NFL mobile app allows you to stream some live games for free, especially if you’re within the local market.
What to Do if You Miss the Cowboys Game
If you missed watching the Cowboys game live, don’t worry—there are several ways to catch up:
- NFL Game Pass: As mentioned earlier, NFL Game Pass allows you to watch full replays of every Cowboys game. You can also access condensed versions that show all the key plays in less time.
- Highlights: Networks like ESPN and NFL Network often air game highlights and post them online. This is a quick way to catch up on the most important moments if you don’t have time to watch the full game.
- Social Media: Follow the Cowboys and the NFL on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. They often post game highlights and important plays, so you can stay updated even if you missed the live broadcast.
Conclusion: Never Miss a Cowboys Game Again
Knowing what channel the Cowboys game is on is essential for every fan who wants to stay connected to the team. Whether the game is on FOX, CBS, NBC, ESPN, or a streaming platform like Amazon Prime Video, there are plenty of options to catch the action. With the various viewing choices available—whether through traditional TV broadcasts, online streaming services, or mobile apps—there’s no excuse to miss a Cowboys game.
Remember to check the Cowboys schedule regularly, use the right streaming services, and set up your DVR if you can’t watch live. With the right preparation, you’ll always be ready to cheer on the Dallas Cowboys, whether it’s at home or on the go.
So the next time you ask, “What channel is the Cowboys game on?” you’ll be fully equipped with the knowledge to tune in and never miss a moment of the action!