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In an exciting Monday Night Football clash, the Houston Texans (6-4) head to AT&T Stadium to take on the Dallas Cowboys (3-6) in a Texas showdown. Scheduled for November 18 at 8:15 PM ET, the game will be aired on ABC and ESPN.
It’s a chance for the Cowboys to avoid further home losses while the Texans look to regain their momentum in the AFC South.
Dallas’ season took a sharp downturn after a promising 3-2 start, with four straight losses, including painful home defeats against the Lions (47-9) and Eagles (34-6). The Cowboys received even more devastating news as their star QB Dak Prescott was ruled out for the season following a partial hamstring tear. Now, with Cooper Rush and Trey Lance sharing passing duties, the Cowboys are struggling to find stability on offense. In Week 10, Rush and Lance combined for only 49 passing yards, as the Cowboys fell well short against Philadelphia.
The absence of Prescott has further complicated a season that was already slipping away. With their offense depleted, the Cowboys rank 13th in the NFC and are now three games behind the last Wild Card spot. They are also 0-4 at home and will be hard-pressed to break that streak against the Texans.
Houston started the season strong, posting a 5-1 record, but recent weeks have been challenging. They’ve gone 1-3 in their last four games, with losses to the Packers, Jets and Lions. Most recently, they suffered a heartbreaking loss against Detroit, giving up a 23-7 halftime lead and five forced INTs, only to lose on a last-second field goal.
The Texans’ dip in form can be partly attributed to injuries. WR Stefon Diggs is out for the season, and standout DE Will Anderson Jr. missed Sunday’s game against the Lions. However, WR Nico Collins, who has been QB CJ Stroud’s primary target, is expected to return on Monday, adding depth to Houston’s receiving corps. Despite his absence in multiple games, Collins leads the team with 567 receiving yards, and his return will boost Stroud’s ability to make big plays.
The Texans bring one of the league’s best pressure rates, which could pose serious issues for the Cowboys’ unsteady QB situation. The Texans defense has also been effective against wide receivers, suggesting they could limit Dallas’ star WR CeeDee Lamb. This may leave the Cowboys relying heavily on TE Jake Ferguson, who could see an increased target share as Rush or Lance aim to move the ball quickly.
RB Joe Mixon has been a consistent producer for the Texans, accumulating 655 rushing yards across seven games. The Cowboys, ranked second to last in rushing defense, allowed 187 rushing yards to the Eagles last week. If Mixon can capitalize on Dallas’ vulnerabilities, Houston should be able to control the clock and dominate time of possession. Expect Mixon to be a crucial component of the Texans’ game plan, especially if they establish an early lead.
Dallas has struggled both in the air and on the ground this season, ranking 31st in rushing yards per game at 83.7. Without Prescott, the Cowboys’ limited options and recent passing game inefficiencies mean they may have to rely on quick passes and short gains, with the Texans’ defensive line applying pressure throughout. If the Texans can disrupt the Cowboys’ offensive rhythm early, it could be a long night for Dallas.
The Texans enter Week 11 as 7.5-point favorites, and they’ll be looking to reestablish their dominance in a critical game for their season. With Nico Collins back and Will Anderson Jr. potentially rejoining the lineup, Houston’s defense and offense are primed to take advantage of Dallas’ struggles. As the Texans seek to solidify their lead in the AFC South, they have a strong chance to come away with a convincing win.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.