A Fourth-Quarter Surge Seals the Win
The Dallas Cowboys defeated the winless Houston Texans 34-30 at Reliant Stadium on Sunday, October 4, 2026. The victory improved Dallas’s record to 2-2, while Houston dropped to 0-4. The game was defined by a dramatic shift in momentum during the final period, where Dallas outscored Houston 14-7 to secure the narrow margin.
Early Texans Control Gives Way to Cowboys Rally
Houston established an early lead, taking a 10-3 advantage into the second quarter thanks to a touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud to Nico Collins and two Ka’imi Fairbairn field goals. The Texans extended their lead to 16-6 by halftime, capitalizing on three additional Fairbairn kicks of 39, 54, and 51 yards in the second quarter.
Dallas began chipping away at the deficit in the third quarter. Javonte Williams scored twice for the Cowboys, including an 8-yard rushing touchdown that brought Dallas within three points. However, Stroud connected with Collins again on a 22-yard pass to restore Houston’s seven-point lead at 23-16.
Decisive Plays in the Final Period
The fourth quarter saw Dallas take control. Williams added two more rushing touchdowns, including a 2-yard score that gave the Cowboys their first lead of the game at 27-23. Houston responded with a 6-yard rush by Woody Marks to tie the game at 23-all before Dallas struck again.
