By The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most beloved and popular teams in the NFL. Fans across the United States and beyond look forward to every game, eager to catch every play, touchdown, and thrilling moment. However, knowing what channel the Cowboys game is on can sometimes be confusing due to the variety of networks that broadcast NFL games. Whether you’re tuning in for regular season games, preseason matchups, or postseason action, it’s important to know which channels will be airing the game. This guide will cover all the channels that broadcast Dallas Cowboys games, how to access them, and the best ways to make sure you never miss a minute of the action.
1. Main Networks for Dallas Cowboys Games
When it comes to watching NFL games, including those featuring the Dallas Cowboys, there are several major networks that hold broadcasting rights. These include:
- FOX
- CBS
- NBC
- ESPN
- NFL Network
Each of these networks plays a crucial role in airing different types of games throughout the season, from Sunday afternoon games to primetime matchups. Below, we will break down which games are typically broadcast on each network.
2. Sunday Afternoon Games (FOX and CBS)
FOX
For many Dallas Cowboys fans, FOX is the go-to channel to watch the majority of their games. FOX holds the rights to broadcast most NFC (National Football Conference) games, and since the Cowboys are part of the NFC, you can expect to catch many of their Sunday afternoon matchups on this network. Typically, FOX airs Cowboys games during the 1:00 PM ET and 4:25 PM ET time slots, depending on the week and the Cowboys’ schedule.
In addition to regular season games, FOX also broadcasts some postseason games, particularly NFC playoff matchups, which means you’ll want to tune in here during the Cowboys’ playoff runs.
CBS
While FOX primarily handles NFC games, CBS covers the AFC (American Football Conference) games. However, there are exceptions. If the Cowboys are playing an AFC team, and the game takes place on a Sunday afternoon, there’s a good chance that CBS will broadcast the game. For example, if the Cowboys are playing the New England Patriots, CBS would likely be your channel for that week.
3. Sunday Night Football (NBC)
One of the most exciting games of the week is Sunday Night Football, and it’s exclusively broadcast on NBC. The Cowboys are no strangers to this coveted primetime slot, as they are one of the most popular and marketable teams in the league. Games in this time slot usually kick off at 8:20 PM ET, and NBC’s production, featuring commentary from Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth, makes Sunday Night Football a top viewing experience for any NFL fan.
NBC’s Sunday Night Football games often feature the league’s top matchups, and the Cowboys, with their large fan base and storied history, frequently appear on this primetime stage. Be sure to check NBC’s schedule to see when the Cowboys are slated for a Sunday night showdown.
4. Monday Night Football (ESPN)
For over 50 years, Monday Night Football has been a staple of NFL broadcasting, airing games on ESPN. The Cowboys are regular participants in this primetime event, which features one game every Monday night during the NFL regular season. These games kick off at 8:15 PM ET, and ESPN’s coverage includes detailed analysis, commentary, and post-game breakdowns.
ESPN’s Monday Night Football often showcases intense matchups and rivalries, so it’s a good idea to check the schedule ahead of time to find out when the Cowboys will be featured. ESPN also occasionally broadcasts doubleheader games on Monday nights, especially in the opening weeks of the season, giving you even more chances to watch the Cowboys under the bright lights.
5. Thursday Night Football (NFL Network, FOX, Amazon Prime Video)
Thursday Night Football is another popular NFL tradition, and Cowboys fans should pay attention to this time slot as well. These games usually air at 8:20 PM ET and can be seen on multiple platforms, including the NFL Network, FOX, and Amazon Prime Video. The NFL Network and FOX have shared broadcasting duties in recent years, while Amazon Prime Video streams the game for those who prefer to watch online.
The Cowboys are often featured on Thursday Night Football, especially during key divisional matchups or rivalry games. Whether you’re watching via cable or streaming, this is another time to tune in and see the Cowboys in action.
6. NFL RedZone
While not a traditional channel that broadcasts full games, NFL RedZone is a popular option for football fans who want to catch every big play, touchdown, and critical moment from all the games taking place on a given Sunday. If you’re a Cowboys fan but also want to keep an eye on other NFL games, RedZone might be the perfect solution. You can watch highlights from the Cowboys game along with live look-ins at other games happening at the same time.
NFL RedZone is available through most cable providers and streaming services as part of a sports package.
7. Streaming Options for Cowboys Games
In the age of digital streaming, more and more fans are choosing to watch their favorite teams online rather than through traditional cable or satellite TV. Fortunately, there are several streaming services that offer live broadcasts of Cowboys games, including:
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
- FuboTV
- Sling TV
- Amazon Prime Video
Each of these services offers different packages that include the channels needed to watch Cowboys games, such as FOX, CBS, NBC, ESPN, and the NFL Network. Let’s briefly discuss what each service offers.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV offers access to all the major networks that broadcast NFL games, including FOX, CBS, NBC, and ESPN. It also provides access to NFL Network, making it a comprehensive option for Cowboys fans who want to stream games online.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is another excellent streaming service that includes FOX, CBS, NBC, and ESPN in its base package, allowing fans to watch Cowboys games from a variety of sources. YouTube TV also offers unlimited DVR storage, which means you can record games and watch them later.
FuboTV
FuboTV is a sports-focused streaming service that provides access to FOX, CBS, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network. It’s an excellent choice for Cowboys fans who want to stream games in high definition and watch other sports content as well.
Sling TV
Sling TV offers more budget-friendly packages compared to other streaming services. Sling’s Blue package includes FOX, NBC, and NFL Network, while the Orange package offers ESPN. However, CBS is not available on Sling, so you may miss some games that are broadcast on that network.
Amazon Prime Video
As mentioned earlier, Amazon Prime Video is the exclusive streaming home for Thursday Night Football. If the Cowboys are playing on a Thursday night, you’ll need an Amazon Prime subscription to stream the game.
8. NFL Sunday Ticket
If you’re a die-hard Cowboys fan living outside the Dallas market, NFL Sunday Ticket is your best bet for catching every game. This service, available through YouTube TV, allows you to watch out-of-market games that aren’t available on local channels. NFL Sunday Ticket is a must-have for fans who don’t want to miss any Cowboys games, no matter where they live.
9. Local Broadcasts and Radio
In addition to national networks, Cowboys games are also broadcast locally in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. KTVT CBS 11 is the primary station for broadcasting Cowboys games locally. Fans can also listen to the Cowboys radio broadcasts on KRLD-FM 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, providing play-by-play commentary for every game.
Conclusion
Dallas Cowboys fans have a variety of ways to watch their team in action, whether through traditional cable, streaming services, or even local broadcasts. By knowing which channels to tune into for Sunday afternoon games, primetime matchups, and special broadcasts like Thursday Night Football, you’ll never miss a moment of the excitement. With so many options available, from FOX and CBS to ESPN, NFL Network, and streaming platforms like Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV, it’s easier than ever to stay connected to America’s Team throughout the season.
So the next time someone asks, “What channel is the Cowboys game on?” you’ll be well-prepared with the answer!
