The Texans vs. Cowboys matchup brings two teams desperate for a victory into a crucial Week 4 showdown on Sunday. Both Houston and Dallas are looking to erase disappointing starts and gain momentum before the NFL season moves deeper into October.
Houston enters the game at 0-3 after three consecutive losses, while Dallas is also searching for a much-needed breakthrough. The Texans will host their Lone Star State rivals, with kickoff scheduled for noon CT at Houston’s home venue.
Texans vs. Cowboys: Week 4 Preview
The Texans have struggled to find consistency during the opening three weeks of the season. Houston lost 36-31 to the Buffalo Bills in Week 1, fell 20-6 to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2 and then suffered a narrow 19-17 defeat against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3.
The loss to Indianapolis was particularly frustrating for DeMeco Ryans and his team. Houston’s defense forced three turnovers, including two in the red zone, but the Texans could not close out the game.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud finished with 167 passing yards and a touchdown against the Colts. Houston’s running game has also struggled, leaving more pressure on Stroud and the passing attack.
The Texans will need a much stronger offensive performance against Dallas if they want to avoid falling to 0-4.
Cowboys vs. Texans: Dallas Looks to Capitalize
The Cowboys vs. Texans matchup gives Dallas an opportunity to take advantage of Houston’s recent struggles.
Quarterback Dak Prescott remains one of the biggest factors in the game. Dallas has the receiving firepower to challenge Houston’s secondary, particularly with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens providing Prescott with two major targets.
Houston’s defense has allowed opposing passing attacks to find success through the first three games, making the Cowboys’ aerial attack an important matchup to watch.
Dallas has had defensive problems of its own, however, meaning this game could ultimately come down to which offense makes fewer mistakes in critical situations.
Texans’ Defense Faces Major Test
Houston’s defense remains the team’s biggest potential advantage, but the unit will enter Week 4 without linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.
Al-Shaair has been an important defensive contributor, and his absence could make it more difficult for the Texans to contain Dallas’ offense.
The Texans will need players such as Will Anderson Jr. to create pressure on Prescott. Anderson already made a major impact against Indianapolis, recording two strip-sacks of Daniel Jones.
If Houston can consistently pressure Prescott and force turnovers, the Texans could keep the game close.
C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins Key to Houston’s Offense
Houston’s offense needs a spark after producing inconsistent numbers during the opening three games.
Stroud will be expected to lead the response, while the return of Nico Collins could give the passing game an important boost.
The bigger concern is the running game. Houston currently ranks near the bottom of the NFL in rushing production, putting additional pressure on Stroud to move the offense through the air.
A balanced attack would make life easier for the quarterback and potentially create more opportunities against Dallas’ defense.
Texans vs. Cowboys Predictions
The matchup is expected to be competitive, but the available predictions lean toward Dallas.
One projection has the Cowboys winning 27-20, with Houston’s defense creating turnovers but Dallas ultimately making enough plays late in the game.
Another prediction gives Dallas a 28-21 victory. That forecast points to Houston’s struggles against the pass and the Cowboys’ dangerous receiving combination of Lamb and Pickens.
The Texans could certainly pull off the upset if their defense produces another turnover-heavy performance and Stroud takes advantage of Collins’ return.
However, Houston’s offensive struggles and Al-Shaair’s absence create significant concerns heading into the matchup.
Prediction: Cowboys 27, Texans 20
Dallas has enough offensive weapons to exploit Houston’s passing-defense issues, while Prescott’s experience could become particularly important in the fourth quarter.
Houston should have opportunities, especially if Anderson and the defense can generate pressure, but the Cowboys are the safer pick in this matchup.
Texans vs. Cowboys: Time and TV Channel
- Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Kickoff: 12 p.m. CT
- TV: FOX
- Play-by-play: Kenny Albert
- Analyst: Greg Olsen
- Sideline reporter: Pam Oliver
- Streaming: FuboTV
Houston Texans 2026 Schedule
Houston entered Week 4 with an 0-3 record.
- Week 1: vs. Buffalo Bills — L 36-31
- Week 2: vs. Cincinnati Bengals — L 20-6
- Week 3: at Indianapolis Colts — L 19-17
- Week 4: vs. Dallas Cowboys
- Week 5: at Tennessee Titans
- Week 6: at Jacksonville Jaguars
- Week 7: vs. New York Giants
- Week 8: Bye
- Week 9: at Los Angeles Chargers
- Week 10: at Cleveland Browns
- Week 11: vs. Indianapolis Colts
- Week 12: vs. Baltimore Ravens
- Week 13: at Pittsburgh Steelers
- Week 14: at Washington Commanders
- Week 15: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Week 16: at Philadelphia Eagles
- Week 17: at Green Bay Packers
- Week 18: vs. Tennessee Titans
Bottom Line
The Texans vs. Cowboys game is a pivotal early-season matchup for both teams. Houston desperately needs its first win after starting 0-3, while Dallas has an opportunity to exploit the Texans’ struggles against the pass.
Stroud, Anderson, Collins, Prescott, Lamb and Pickens will all have major roles in determining the result. If Houston’s defense can force turnovers and generate consistent pressure, the Texans have a path to victory. Otherwise, Dallas’ offensive weapons could prove too difficult to contain.
For now, the edge goes to the Cowboys in a potentially close Lone Star State battle.
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