Many of us had this Week 4 matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans circled on our calendar. This was supposed to be an interstate rivalry between two teams with Super Bowl aspirations this year, but so far both the Cowboys and Texans have fallen way below expectations by getting off to disappointing starts. Despite that, and maybe even because of it, this game may be even more exciting with both teams seasons hanging in the balance.
While there is still a lot of football to play this
season, both the Cowboys and Texans desperately need to start stringing some wins together with their seasons already potentially circling the drain. Putting a “W” in the win column this week could help jumpstart things and the best way to walk away with the victory is exploit certain matchups. Below are the ones we’ll be watching for the Cowboys.
WR CeeDee Lamb vs. CB Derek Stingley Jr.
Stingley will likely see his fair share of George Pickens as well, but so far this season it’s been CeeDee Lamb that Dak Prescott has shown the most trust by targeting him early and often to move the Cowboys offense up the field. This is one of those best against best matchups we all like to see, and one that could help sway the game one way or another. If No. 88 continues to produce like he has in the past few weeks, Dallas’ chance of victory increases, but if not the scales could tip in favor of the Texans.
CB DaRon Bland (and maybe Joey Porter Jr.) vs. WR Nico Collins
Collins has missed the last few weeks with a hamstring injury, but has returned to practice this week and has a good chance of playing. This could be problematic for the Cowboys secondary who has been decimated by injuries, leaving DaRon Bland as their best option to neutralize the Texans most consistent and best offensive weapon. This shapes up as a match that favors Houston, but that could change if Joey Porter Jr. somehow suits up this week after being acquired via trade. Then the advantage could shift Dallas’ way.
Offensive tackles vs. DE Will Anderson Jr.
Tyler Guyton’s play so for through the first three games of the 2026 NFL season has been one of the Cowboys biggest surprises this year. Terence Steele’s play has not surprised as he has once again struggled in pass protection.
Will Anderson Jr. is a different animal than many pass rushers in this league and is arguably better than what Steele and Guyton have seen this year. You can expect the Texans to try and isolate Anderson on the tackles, especially against a struggling Steele. If Dak Prescott doesn’t have the time needed to find his weapons in the passing game the “W” could be out of reach.
