The Dallas Cowboys travel to face the Houston Texans in Week 4 following a Week 3 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro, dallascowboys.com reported. Jerry Jones noted during the week that the team must address its lapses in judgment from that loss as they prepare to meet a winless instate opponent.
The Historic In-State Rivalry and Current Records
In regular season play against the Texans, the Cowboys hold a 4-3 all-time record, according to dallascowboys.com. The most recent regular season meeting took place on November 18, 2024, when the Texans secured a 34-10 victory at AT&T Stadium. The rivalry dates back to the franchise opener for Houston on September 8, 2002, when David Carr led the Texans to a 19-10 win over a Dallas team quarterbacked by Quincy Carter.
Heading into the Week 4 matchup, the Texans sit at 0-3 following losses to the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, and Indianapolis Colts. Despite their winless record, oddsmakers have installed Houston as three-point favorites at home, reflecting questions surrounding the trajectory of the visiting Cowboys.
Secondary Injuries and Roster Adjustments for Dallas
The Cowboys face a significant challenge managing injuries within their secondary. The team added cornerback Joey Porter Jr., placing him into the starting lineup opposite DaRon Bland. Malik Hooker could return to the lineup, while departures and injuries affecting Cobie Durant and Shavon Revel Jr. leave defensive backs Caelen Carson and Ameer Speed as available options at corner.
At safety, Dallas features Markquese Bell, Alijah Clark, and practice squad elevation candidate Juanyeh Thomas. Meanwhile, linebacker DeMarvion Overshown deals with an injury, though Jaishawn Barham has provided an energetic and aggressive presence in the defensive front.
Defensive Matchups and Houston’s Offensive Profile
Brian Schottenheimer’s defense enters the week allowing 387.0 total yards per game, ranking 30th out of 32 NFL teams, including 179.7 rushing yards allowed per contest. Christian Parker’s pass defense surrenders an average of 207.3 yards per game, placing them 14th in the league.
Conversely, the Texans boast an aggressive defensive front that ranks fifth in stopping the run, though they sit 26th in defending the pass. Offensively, Houston averages 84.7 rushing yards per game—ranking 30th in the NFL—while quarterback C.J. Stroud directs the league’s 10th-ranked aerial attack at 241.3 passing yards per game without an interception.
Offensive Balance and Execution for the Cowboys
Head coach Mike McCarthy’s offense aims to establish consistent production on the ground after leaning away from Javonte Williams during stretches of the game in Rio de Janeiro. Establishing an effective rushing attack against a front featuring Will Anderson Jr., Tommy Togiai, and Danielle Hunter remains a priority to open up play-action passing opportunities.
Once the running game establishes a threat, the Cowboys look to involve CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, tight end Jake Ferguson, and Brevyn Spann-Ford in the passing attack, especially with questions surrounding the availability of Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.
Texans Defeat Cowboys 34-10 at AT&T Stadium
The Texans defeated the Cowboys 34-10 on November 18, 2024, at AT&T Stadium.
The matchup takes place in Houston.
The Texans enter the game with a 0-3 record following losses to the Bills, Bengals, and Colts.
Worth a look
