It is a familiar story for Houston Texans fans ahead of Sunday's must-win showdown at home.
They have put themselves in a 0-3 hole and desperately need a win if they are going to stay relevant in the playoff picture. Week 4 will be their most recent test against the Dallas Cowboys, who have two of the NFL's top weapons in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.
Lamb, a five-time Pro-Bowler and first-team All-Pro, has hit over 1,000 receiving yards every season since 2021. In the two games he has played against the Texans, the former first-round standout has averaged 63 yards per game and has not scored a touchdown.
For the most part, Houston has keet him in check.
Pickens was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time last season as well as being a second-team
All-Pro. He had a monster season with 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
The only time he played against the Texans was back in 2023 with the Pittsburgh Steelers; he only had three receptions for 25 yards.
Even though Lamb and Pickens have not found individual success against Houston, this will be the first time the duo has played against the Texans since becoming teammates. They are coming off a Week 3 performance where they gave up over 60 receiving yards to two receivers against the Indianapolis Colts.
While Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans acknowledges how explosive they are, he is confident Houston’s defense will be up to the challenge.
“They’re two really good players. CeeDee and George are both explosive players. CeeDee does a great job of being able to stretch the field vertically, but also having the ability to line up in the slot, get a matchup and make a play,” Ryans said. “George does a good job, whether it's a slant, a short pass, his run after catch is really great. He also has the ability to go up and go get contested catches. Two big time playmakers at the wide receiver position, you have to make sure we can handle them. We love the corners that we have. We know it's going to be a big challenge for our guys, but they're up for it.”
This will be the first time the Texans take on Dallas in Houston since 2018.
All-time, the Texans have defeated the Cowboys two out of three times they have played in Houston.
Kickoff on FOX is scheduled for Noon. With a loss, Houston would fall to 0-4 and would look to become the first team since the 1992 San Diego Chargers to come back from winless to postseason.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans HC DeMeco Ryans ready for Cowboys 'explosive duo' in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens
