The network broadcasting the Cowboys game varies; you should check your local listings or a sports guide for the most up-to-date information.
Figuring out what channel to tune into can be a bit of a scramble when the Cowboys are playing. It’s a common question – “what network is the cowboys game on?” – and thankfully, there are easy ways to find out.
The answer changes depending on the week. Different networks have broadcasting rights throughout the season. Your local listings or a good sports app will provide the details for the specific game you want to watch.
What Network is the Cowboys Game On?
Figuring out where to watch the Dallas Cowboys can feel like a complicated puzzle! It’s not always on the same channel, and things can change week to week. Let’s break it all down so you never miss a touchdown, a crucial tackle, or any of the exciting Cowboys action. We will look at all the different ways the games are broadcast and how to find out which network has your Cowboys playing. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the NFL Broadcast Landscape
The NFL has a few main broadcasting partners, which means different networks show different games. You won’t find every Cowboys game on just one channel. Instead, the games are spread across various networks and streaming services. This helps make sure lots of people get a chance to watch football. These broadcasting partners often change, but these are the most common ones:
- CBS: CBS often broadcasts games that have NFC teams playing. Since the Cowboys are in the NFC, you’ll see them on CBS often, especially when they play other NFC teams.
- FOX: Similar to CBS, FOX also broadcasts many NFL games with a focus on NFC matchups, and yes that includes the Cowboys!.
- NBC: NBC is the home of “Sunday Night Football.” If the Cowboys have a prime-time game on a Sunday night, you will most likely find it on NBC.
- ESPN: ESPN usually gets to broadcast “Monday Night Football.” So, if the Cowboys are playing on a Monday night, this is the channel you’ll need.
- NFL Network: The NFL Network shows a few games each week, especially on Thursday nights. Occasionally, the Cowboys might play on this network.
- Amazon Prime Video: In recent years, Amazon Prime Video has joined the party and is now the exclusive home for “Thursday Night Football” games. If the Cowboys are playing on Thursday, check Amazon Prime first!
Knowing the main networks is helpful, but you also need to know that the schedule is often different each week. It is not like, Cowboys will always play on this particular channel. Here’s how you can make sure you know where to watch.
How to Find Out Which Channel is Showing the Cowboys Game
With games moving around, finding out the right channel each week can seem tricky. Here are some simple ways to discover where the Dallas Cowboys are playing each week:
Checking the NFL Schedule
The official NFL website (nfl.com) is an excellent resource. Here’s how to use it:
- Go to nfl.com.
- Find the “Schedule” section, usually in the menu.
- Find the Cowboys’ schedule. You might need to select their team name.
- Look at the game you want to watch. The schedule will list the network or streaming service broadcasting the game.
Using TV Guides and Listings
Many websites and apps give you local TV listings. Here’s how they can help you:
- TV Guide Websites or Apps: Sites like TV Guide or apps from your cable provider show what’s playing on each channel. Search for the Cowboys game in these listings.
- Your Cable Box Guide: Use your TV’s program guide. It usually shows what is airing on each channel a few days in advance.
Team-Specific Websites
The Dallas Cowboys’ website (dallascowboys.com) will usually have the game information for every game. This is another very useful resource for finding where to watch your game.
- Go to the official Dallas Cowboys website.
- Look for the “Schedule” or “Game Day” section
- Game info is usually listed with the game and how to watch.
Sports News Websites and Apps
Big sports news outlets also share schedule information. These include:
- ESPN: The ESPN app or website usually includes the schedule and broadcast information.
- CBS Sports: Check the CBS Sports website or app, as well.
- FOX Sports: The FOX Sports site is another place to find when and how to watch your favorite Cowboys.
Social Media
Social media is a fast way to get information about which network is showing the Cowboys game, especially on game days. Here’s how to use it:
- Team’s Official Account: Follow the Cowboys on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram). They usually post what channel will be broadcasting the game.
- Sports Outlets: Following sports networks and personalities on social media provides constant updates, including details on where games will be broadcast.
Different Game Types and Broadcast Networks
Not all games are created equal. Some games have a bigger spotlight which means they might be on different networks than a regular game. Let’s see at how certain types of games change which network is broadcasting.
Prime-Time Games: Sunday, Monday, and Thursday Nights
These are some of the most viewed games and tend to be featured more. Here is how they impact which channel shows the game:
- Sunday Night Football (NBC): If the Cowboys are playing on Sunday night, it is going to be on NBC, unless there are some very special circumstances.
- Monday Night Football (ESPN): If it’s a Monday night game, ESPN is the place to be.
- Thursday Night Football (Amazon Prime Video): For all Thursday night games, you’ll need to go to Amazon Prime Video. This is a special case where you will be streaming and not watching TV.
Thanksgiving Day Games
The Cowboys have a tradition of playing on Thanksgiving Day. They will usually be on a big network like CBS or FOX, since the game is a big part of the Thanksgiving tradition. The broadcast will be shown in the afternoon.
Playoff Games
Playoff games usually bring a different set of networks into the picture. These games can be on any of the big networks, so it’s important to keep checking the schedule to see which channel is showing your game.
- CBS and FOX: The most common networks for playoff games.
- NBC: Some of the biggest playoff games may appear on NBC.
- ESPN/ABC: Sometimes, they get into playoff action, as well.
Streaming Options for Cowboys Games
These days, many people are cutting the cord and moving to streaming. So here is how you can watch the Dallas Cowboys games without a traditional cable subscription:
Streaming Services that Carry Live TV
Many streaming services offer a lot of channels, much like traditional cable. Here are some you should consider for your Cowboys viewing:
- YouTube TV: YouTube TV usually has the major networks such as CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network.
- Hulu + Live TV: This is another great choice, carrying most of the main channels you will need.
- Fubo TV: FuboTV is sports focused and also carries main networks to watch Cowboys games.
- Sling TV: Sling TV usually offers different package options which include some of the main channels. Make sure to check that the main networks are included in your package before signing up.
NFL Specific Streaming Service
There is also an option for you if you would just like to watch the NFL games directly.
- NFL+: NFL+ is the official NFL streaming service. It has some live games, though often it focuses on out-of-market games. So, it’s not always the best for catching local games in your area. It also has replays and highlights you can watch after the game.
Network-Specific Streaming
Some networks also have their own streaming services. Here are a few to keep in mind:
- Paramount+ (CBS): If you are a fan of CBS and want to stream their games, then this will be an important subscription for you.
- FOX Sports App: If you want to stream your Cowboys on the go and they are broadcasted by FOX, then make sure you have the FOX Sports app.
- NBC Sports App: For games shown on NBC, you can use the NBC Sports app.
- ESPN App: You can stream Monday Night Football, as well, with the ESPN app.
- Amazon Prime Video: Amazon is the exclusive home of Thursday Night Football. Make sure you are a Prime member to watch the game.
Factors Affecting Broadcast Choices
There are a few reasons that change how the games are broadcasted. It’s not always clear, but these are the major factors at play:
Game Popularity and Matchups
Popular games and big matchups often get picked up by the major networks such as CBS, FOX, NBC and ESPN. This is why you often see the Cowboys on the big networks because they have a large fanbase and often play exciting games. The NFL wants to have the most people see the biggest games, and networks bid to get a game on their channel.
Local Market Preferences
Sometimes, local stations will show games that are not nationally broadcast. This is to make sure that people living in the Dallas area, or those that are big Cowboys fans get their games on the channel. You will often see games on your local affiliates for FOX and CBS, even if it’s not the game that the network chooses to show.
Contractual Agreements
The NFL has contracts with different networks that change from time to time. These contracts determine which network gets to broadcast what games. These agreements can change over time, so it’s best to check the schedule each week to see where to watch.
Tips for Never Missing a Cowboys Game
With so many different networks and options for watching your games, make sure you take these tips to heart to avoid missing out on a big play:
Double-Check the Schedule
Always double-check the official NFL schedule or the Cowboys’ schedule each week, to confirm the channel and time.
Set Reminders
Use phone reminders or your TV guide to set up reminders so that you won’t miss the kickoff.
Download Relevant Apps
Download the apps for any streaming services or networks you plan to use. This allows you to watch the Cowboys wherever you are. Make sure you are logged in to all of them.
Check Social Media
Social media is a great way to get updates before the game so make sure to use this as a resource to not miss the game. You can usually see what channel the game is on through posts.
With this information you should be ready to catch any Cowboys game that comes your way. Make sure you are keeping up with the newest information every week to avoid missing any action. From broadcast TV to streaming, there is no reason you should not be able to catch every snap.
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Final Thoughts
The game’s broadcast network varies each week. You must check the specific TV schedule for the exact game. Knowing the network helps you tune in correctly.
This information is essential to avoid missing any Cowboys action. Therefore, what network is the cowboys game on depends on the week. Always confirm before kickoff.
