On November 18th, 2024, the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans face off in a Texas showdown on Monday Night Football that brings two teams with contrasting seasons head-to-head. The Texans enter with a strong 6-4 record and lead the AFC South, while the Cowboys, struggling at 3-6, are desperate for a win to keep their season hopes alive. This game promises rivalry and high stakes with both teams eager to claim Texas bragging rights.
Texans Season Overview
The Houston Texans lost a heartbreaking game last week, losing by a game-winning field goal to the Detroit Lions and their kicker Jake Bates, despite intercepting Jared Goff, Lions quarterback, on 5 separate occasions. The Texans still hold a solid 6-4 record and a lead in the AFC South:
Offense:
Quarterback C.J. Stroud has proven himself capable in his second NFL season, despite his struggling offensive line and injuries at skill positions throughout the season thus far, amassing 2,371 passing yards with 12 touchdowns and only six interceptions. His top targets, wide receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell, bring speed and big-play ability that could challenge Dallas’s defense (Pro Football Reference, 2024).
Defense:
Houston’s defense ranks 18th overall, allowing 22.6 points per game. Defensive end Will Anderson (7.5 sacks) has led a pass rush that could cause trouble for Dallas if the Cowboys’ offensive line doesn’t hold up (Pro Football Reference, 2024).
If their defense starts playing consistently and the offense finds its rhythm, the Texans can extend their AFC South lead and maintain momentum for a playoff push starting against the Cowboys.