A Late Surge Secures Victory
The Dallas Cowboys defeated the winless Houston Texans 34-30 in a high-scoring contest at Reliant Stadium on Sunday, October 4, 2026. The victory improves Dallas to 2-2, while Houston falls to 0-4 on the season.
The game was defined by back-and-forth scoring, with field goals dominating the first half and rushing attacks taking over in the second. Despite a strong passing performance from C.J. Stroud and three touchdowns from Javonte Williams, the Cowboys held on for the win thanks to a pivotal fourth-quarter drive.
First Half: Field Goals Set the Tone
Houston struck first when C.J. Stroud connected with Nico Collins for a 7-yard touchdown pass, followed by a kick from Ka'imi Fairbairn. The Texans extended their lead to 10-3 after the first quarter when Fairbairn nailed a 51-yard field goal.
Dallas responded with two field goals from Brandon Aubrey in the second quarter, closing the gap to 10-6 before halftime. However, the Texans’ special teams continued to be effective, with Fairbairn adding two more field goals of 39 and 54 yards in the half. Houston led 16-6 at the break.
Third Quarter: Cowboys Take Control
Dallas turned the tide early in the third quarter. Javonte Williams rushed for an 8-yard touchdown, giving the Cowboys their first lead at 13-10. Stroud answered with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Collins, putting Houston back ahead 23-13.
Williams immediately responded with a 1-yard rushing touchdown and another kick from Aubrey, narrowing the deficit to 23-20. The Cowboys’ offense found its rhythm, as Williams added a 2-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to take a 27-23 lead.
