Cowboys Edge Texans 34-30 in Late Rally

Final Whistle Favors Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Houston Texans 34-30 on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Reliant Stadium. The result improved Dallas to a 2-2 record while leaving Houston at 0-4 on the season. Attendance at the venue reached 71,227 for the contest. The game featured a high-scoring exchange between the two Texas rivals, with the outcome hinging on late-game execution by the visiting Cowboys.

Early Lead and Field Goal Battle

Houston established an early advantage in the first quarter. C.J. Stroud found Nico Collins on a seven-yard pass for a touchdown, giving the Texans a 7-0 lead.

Brandon Aubrey responded with a 39-yard field goal, but Ka'imi Fairbairn extended the home team’s lead with a 51-yard kick. The second quarter was defined by kicking, as Aubrey added a 50-yard field goal. Fairbairn then struck twice, converting 39-yard and 54-yard field goals to give Houston a 16-6 lead heading into the halftime break.

The first half score was 16-6 in favor of the Texans.

Third Quarter Shift

The third quarter saw the first scoring runs from the ground. Javonte Williams capped a drive with an eight-yard rush for a touchdown, narrowing the gap to 16-13. Houston answered when Stroud connected with Collins again, this time on a 22-yard pass for a touchdown, pushing the lead back to 23-13.

Williams then scored on a one-yard rush, bringing the Cowboys within four points at 23-20. The third quarter ended with Houston leading 23-20.

Fourth Quarter Decider

The final period began with Williams rushing two yards for a touchdown, giving Dallas a 27-23 lead. Woody Marks responded for Houston with a six-yard rushing touchdown, restoring the Texans’ lead at 30-27. With the game on the line, Prescott found Lamb on a 12-yard pass for the game-winning touchdown.

Aubrey’s subsequent kick made the final score 34-30. Prescott finished with 335 passing yards on 32 of 45 attempts, while Williams rushed for 62 yards and three touchdowns. Lamb caught 17 passes for 189 yards.

For Houston, Stroud threw for 347 yards and two touchdowns, and Collins had 118 receiving yards and two scores.

Sources

ESPN