A great battle in the South for the lone star state
What’s the first thing you hear when you think of the great state of Texas? Do you picture us in leather cowboy hats, long denim jeans, and a classy pair of western-style boots? Maybe we’re even riding a beautiful mustang, deep into the warm sunset.
Yeah, that seems really dramatic. But if there’s one thing that’s true, it’s that “everything is bigger in Texas.” That, of course, includes football, home to 2 NFL teams: both the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans. While the Texans may not have been established as long ago as the Cowboys, they’ve had their moments of success, despite not having any conference championship or Super Bowl appearances.
This Sunday, the Cowboys take on the Texans at their home, NRG Stadium in Houston. You could call it The Battle of Texas, as it has previously been labeled, although the two teams meet only once every four years.
It’s been a rough start for both teams, as Dallas is coming off what can only be described as a heartbreaking loss against the Baltimore Ravens this past Sunday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As to how quarterback Lamar Jackson was so smart to call a timeout with one second left in the game, it's beyond me.
Meanwhile, in Houston, the Texans are still fighting to win their first game of the season, with a 0-3 record heading into Week 4. With fourth-year quarterback CJ Stroud taking many sacks and facing pressure behind the line, he has little to no time to connect with his offense. Wide receiver Nico Collins, one of Stroud’s main offensive weapons, has faced injuries and other health issues. Houston, I’d say we have a problem.
Luckily, the receiver is set to play in the upcoming game on Sunday.
Since Dallas last played, they’ve traded for cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday night in exchange for a 2028 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick. The 2027 pick will be activated if Porter is on the game-day roster for at least two games.
Additionally, the Cowboys will most certainly be looking for revenge against Houston, as their most recent matchup in 2024 ended 34-10, with the Texans dominating at AT&T Stadium. It seems as if this season has flipped for both teams, and each has something crucial at stake.
While the Texans offense has struggled to connect since the season started, the Cowboys defense will still need to focus on any chance to earn points, and vice versa for the Texans. Stopping a dynamic duo like Dak Prescott and Ceedee Lamb will be a challenge. However, Houston’s defense still remains strong as it did the season before, with key players like Derek Stingley Jr. and Reed Blakenship.
A notable matchup will be between Derek Stingley Jr. and Ceedee Lamb. Lamb, with 20 receptions, 309 yards, and 3 touchdowns, currently ranks 4th in the league among wide receivers for the 2026 season. Meanwhile, Stingley has had a slow start but finished last season with four interceptions and previously led the league with one of the strongest defenses.
Furthermore, seeing Nico Collins and Joey Porter Jr. matchup for the third time in their careers, and being Collin’s second game of the season, will be one to watch. Before being traded, Porter Jr. has recorded one interception, 35 tackles, and 17 assists with the Steelers.
The Lone Star State is a state so large it feels like you could be driving for hours on end when you’re here. It’s home to many large cities, like Dallas, Houston, and Austin. It’s home to one of the best sports around and provides a lot of competitive competition.
And yet, there’s only room for one sheriff around here. Who will it be?
Cowboys vs. Texans starts at 12:00 PM CT on Sunday, October 4, streaming on FOX.
