How are we here again? Your Houston Texans are 0-3. The offense, full of weapons, is struggling to put more than 18 points per game on the board and suddenly, this is a must-win match up against the Oklahoma South Cowboys.
Fanduel ‘s odds currently have the Texans down by 3. Will Kaimi Fairbairn take that bet and kick H-Town to their first win of 2026? Hopefully it won’t come to that. However, the betting site’s first prop bet has the Texans opening drive ending in a field goal as a more likely outcome
than a touchdown.
Texans fan and BRB faithful Sarlegant pointed out a recent Seth Payne video the other day where former H-Town defender Payne unpacks some Texans truths. After listening to head coach Demeco Ryans discuss the coaching staff, play calling and some other nifty tidbits in the video,, there is hope for Battle Red Nation!
If you’re unfamiliar with Seth Payne, despite his humorous self-deprecation, he holds a very unique place in local Texans coverage. As a former player, highly intelligent student of the game and passionate Texans fan, Payne has unique access and insights into the organization, coaching, schemes and on-field results. When he breaks things down, you’ll likely learn something new, and chuckle more than once along the way.
Reason for hope: the offense gets Nico Collins and Ed Ingram back this week. Dallas pulled off a newsworthy trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers this week to secure cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who may start this weekend. Cowboy fans think that’s fantastic. Texans fans remember Collins facing Porter in the playoffs last season.
Prediction One: Nico Collins scores on Joey Porter Jr.
While Collins did not have a stellar outing in the Texans 30-6 blowout of the Steelers in last season’s wild card, Nico is a “put the team on your back and win” kind of player. Sitting on the sidelines, watching his teammates struggle to move the ball and score points has him chomping at the bit. With Tank Dell still out, Jayden Higgins on IR and the tight ends serving as o-linemen, Collins will get quarterback C.J. Stroud’s attention early and often. Expect him to step up.
Prediction Two: Will Anderson Jr. has 3 sack game.
Much has been said about the “players only” meeting led by Anderson Jr. last week. While not every player on the defense seemed to respond against the Indianapolis Colts, it’s very clear Anderson Jr. is on a mission to win a Super Bowl, even if he has to do it all by himself.
Dak Prescott has been sacked 3 times so far in 2026, but he’s yet to face a defense like Houston’s. With the need to hold the ball a little longer, his desire to scramble will rise. Derek Stingley Jr. had 2 breakups and an interception the last time these teams met and Prescott will remember. And with that memory, he opens himself up to pressure from Danielle Hunter, Sheldon Rankins, Jadeveon Clowney and Anderson Jr.
Reason for hope: Despite Ryans’ recent insistence that offensive coordinator Nick Caley will continue to call the plays, Ryans low-key admits things are not working as they should. How does this play out heading into this weekend’s game? Hopefully other voices (Stroud, QB coach Jerry Shuplinski, Ryans) will speak into the play calling. This offense has the talent to perform, just not the way Caley seems to think they should.
On paper the Cowboys seem like the better team so far in 2026. But they’ve not stood toe-to-toe with a team like Josh Allen’s Buffalo Bills. Houston has, and nearly won.
Prediction Three: Dallas Cowboys 19 Houston Texans 31
The Texans are due for a breakout game. H-town football fanship is perpetually sailing through rough seas, but for every trough between waves, there’s a crest to keep us all hoping for more. The offense seems to suddenly click, the defense contributes a touchdown, and Dare Ogunbowale will reignite the special teams. Not only will the Texans take their first win of 2026, they’ll beat the spread doing it.
Brought to you by Fanduel. Winning is undefeated.
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