Dallas returns from Brazil looking to respond quickly after the painful 34-31 loss to Baltimore, and the short trip to Houston presents an interesting matchup. The Cowboys are 1-2 but have shown they can move the football consistently, while Houston enters at 0-3 with an offense searching for answers. The problem for Dallas is that its defense continues to lose players, meaning this is another game where Dak Prescott and the offense may need to carry a large share of the workload.
When Houston has the ball
Houston should look
at the Dallas defense and see an opportunity to finally get its offense moving. The Texans have averaged only 18 points through three games and managed just 223 total yards in Sunday’s loss to Indianapolis, including 70 on the ground. C.J. Stroud was held to 167 passing yards and sacked three times.
Dallas, however, has allowed 1,161 total yards through three games, including 539 on the ground, so Houston has every reason to test a Cowboys defense that has struggled to consistently stop either phase of the offense.
The easiest way to do that could be through the running game. David Montgomery and Woody Marks have not produced much behind Houston’s offensive line so far, but Dallas is allowing five yards per rushing attempt. Establishing the run would also help Stroud by creating shorter third downs and opening play-action rather than asking him to repeatedly sit in the pocket behind protection that has been inconsistent. Houston should also use quick passes and screens to prevent Dallas’ defensive front from attacking Stroud freely.
When Dallas has the ball
Dallas should continue putting the game in Dak Prescott’s hands. Prescott threw for 276 yards against Baltimore, while CeeDee Lamb finished with 112 receiving yards and George Pickens added 82. Even in defeat, Dallas moved the ball consistently and showed that Lamb and Pickens can put enormous pressure on a secondary when Prescott has enough time.
Getting that time will be the biggest challenge of the afternoon. Will Anderson Jr. is already becoming one of the league’s most disruptive pass rushers and produced 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a recovery against Indianapolis. Danielle Hunter provides another dangerous rusher from the opposite side.
Houston forced three turnovers against the Colts and held them to 300 yards, so its 0-3 record should not fool anyone into thinking this is an easy defense to face.
Now onto the predictions from your BTB writers…
Tom Ryle (1-2)
I almost feel like Dallas is facing a trap game, especially with the news Nico Collins is back at practice. However, CJ Stroud is one of the most sacked QBs in the league. I think the Cowboys will get to him a few times and their offense will eliminate at least some of their mistakes. DAL 34, HOU 23
Brandon Loree (2-1)
In the battle of Texas, it never feels like the Cowboys are 100% guaranteed to win. The Houston Texans are really struggling to find themselves three games into the season and are desperate for their first win.
Their inconsistent offensive line should give Dallas a chance to really get sacks from their edge rushers on CJ Stroud.
I think this ends up being a weird game where the Cowboys win 16-12 on one touchdown, and the rest is all field goals.
Dyllan Rivers (2-1)
While they still have a long way to go, the Cowboys defense has improved each week of the season. That trend will continue this week where we finally see some pressures converted into sacks against a less mobile QB in C.J. Stroud. The offense continues to roll and situational awareness doesn’t blow the whole thing up this time around. Dallas wins at Houston, 30-24
Matt Holleran (3-0)
With all the injuries on the defensive side of the ball, I have no confidence in Dallas’ defense showing up on Sunday. If the Cowboys can block up Houston’s defensive front they should be able to move the ball, but slowing down their talented pass rush will be a tough test. I see this being a close game but the Texans’ defense proves to be the difference maker. Will Anderson gets a game-ending strip sack as Dallas falls to 1-3. Give me the Texans, 24-23.
Mike Poland (1-2)
I know, I know, my pure unfiltered optimism got me in trouble last week thinking Dallas would get the win in Brazil, but it almost happened! So I’m sticking with my unrelenting optimistic approach and say Dallas win this week.
Houston is 0-3 on the year, and worse is they’re 0-2 at home. That means all the pressure is on them to deliver a win here. Dallas just needs to play smart, simple football to keep Houston chasing and make them one dimensional on both sides of the ball. Give me Dallas to win 31-20.
