Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) catches a touchdown pass over Houston Texans safety Jalen Pitre (5) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Week 4 of the NFL season brought us an in-state showdown that did not disappoint.
The Dallas Cowboys took down the Houston Texans 34-30 at Reliant Stadium behind a huge day from wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. The wide receiver had a whopping 17 catches, one shy of the Cowboys’ single-game record, and 189 receiving yards and hauled in the game-winning tuchdown with 37 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
Both teams entered needing a win to gain control of their 2026 direction, but it was Dallas who was ultimately able to right its ship.
Article continues below this ad
Below, you’ll find live coverage, game stories, photos and more from Cowboys-Texans in Houston.
— Five thoughts from Cowboys-Texans: Lamb’s monster game helps Dallas overcome slow start
— National reaction to Cowboys’ Week 4 win over Texans: ‘CeeDee Lamb is absolutely bonkers’
Dallas Cowboys fan Patrick “Popeye” Brawn of Dallas poses for a photo before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
(From left) Houston Texans fan David Carcamo and Dallas Cowboys Daniel Maldonado Jr. tailgate as they celebrate Maldonado’s birthday before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys fan Jesse Sanchez of San Antonio has a beer punched by Houston Texans fan Travis McGlothin of Houston for the Texan Mojo’s Shotgun 30 as they tailgate before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys fan Claudia Espinoza of Brownsville shares a kiss with Houston Texans fan Eric Garza after saying yes to his engagement proposal as they tailgate before an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys fan Claudia Espinoza of Brownsville shows off her engagement ring after saying yes to Houston Texans fan Eric Garza as they tailgate before an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Houston Texans fan Patrick Ennis with Texan Mojo tailgate leads Texans and Dallas Cowboys fans in the Shotgun 30 as they tailgate before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer watches as his team warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones chats with Dallas Cowboys cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (25) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
A handler with the American Eagle Foundation recalls a bald eagle before the start of an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
A bald eagle with the American Eagle Foundation flys during the national anthem before the start of an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) prepares for the play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker (24) forces Houston Texans tight end Brevin Jordan (9) out of bounds during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) catches a touchdown pass past Dallas Cowboys cornerback Daron Bland (26) and Dallas Cowboys cornerback Reddy Steward (27) during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) catches a touchdown pass past Dallas Cowboys cornerback Daron Bland (26) and Dallas Cowboys cornerback Reddy Steward (27) during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
A Dallas Cowboys fan watches during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer looks up at the screen during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass over the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass over the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) celebrates with quarterback Dak Prescott (4) after catching a touchdown pass over the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) greets supporters as he exits the field after defeating the Houston Texans in an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) completes a 53 yard pass over the Houston Texans during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) fails to complete a touchdown pass over Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is stopped by Houston Texans linebacker Jake Hansen (35) before reaching the end zone during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
A Dallas Cowboys fan cheers during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) scores on a touchdown run past Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) rolls in to score on a touchdown run past Houston Texans defensive end Solomon Byrd (50) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) rolls in to score on a touchdown run past Houston Texans defensive end Solomon Byrd (50) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) celebrates his touchdown run with Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (92) sacks Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (92) sacks Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (92) sacks Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (92) dances after sacking Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (92) dances with linebacker Rashan Gary (7) after sacking Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
The Houston Texans offense and the Dallas Cowboys defense at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) celebrates a completed pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) and Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) celebrate a completed pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) celebrates a completed pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) prepares for a play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (25) and Dallas Cowboys linebacker Tyrus Wheat (59) exit the field after defeating the Houston Texans in an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News
Article continues below this ad
FINAL: The Cowboys hang on to secure a win in Houston. C.J. Stroud and the Texans had a chance to score late, but the quarterback’s last-second pass attempt fell incomplete. Dallas grabs a 34-30 victory to move to 2-2 on the season.
CeeDee Lamb is having a day in Houston. The Cowboys’ leading receiver has posted 17 catches for 189 yards. His was a 12-yard touchdown reception to give Dallas a lead with 0:37 left in the fourth. Cowboys hold a 34-30 lead late.
CEEDEE LAMB FOR THE TD! 🔥
17 catches for No. 88. What a DAY! #CowboysNation
(via @NFL)
https://t.co/bEdHNs3xhs
— SportsDay Cowboys (@dmn_cowboys) October 4, 2026
Article continues below this ad
It appears we’re in for another dramatic finish. The Texans are back in front after a 6-yard touchdown run from Woody Marks. Houston picked up a first down on its scoring drive with an unexpected hook-and-ladder. Cowboys trail 30-27 with 2:15 left in the fourth.
The Cowboys have their first lead of the game. CeeDee Lamb is giving the Texans’ defense fits in the second half. The receiver played a key role in helping Dallas’ offense move downfield. The Cowboys closed out the 14-play, 96-yard scoring drive with a 2-yard touchdown run from Javonte Williams. Williams has three rushing touchdowns on the day. Cowboys lead 27-23 with 11:17 left in the fourth.
Javonte Williams with his third TD of the day! 🙌
The #Cowboys have their first lead of the game. A solid end to the drive for Dallas. #CowboysNation
(via @NFL)
https://t.co/xgEj8V5laA
— SportsDay Cowboys (@dmn_cowboys) October 4, 2026
Article continues below this ad
The Cowboys are back in this one. Dallas once again relied on Javonte Williams to punch it in. George Pickens made a highlight-reel grab for a 53-yard gain on the drive. Dallas later had to go for it on fourth down after Dak Prescott got his team near the goal line. While Prescott’s fourth-down pass fell incomplete, the Texans were called for a defensive holding penalty that gave the team a new set of downs. Williams scored the 1-yard touchdown run. Cowboys trail 23-20 with 6:49 left in the third.
Javonte Williams for TD No. ✌️! #Cowboys are back in this one in the third quarter. #CowboysNation
(via @NFL)
https://t.co/9TPkthTA3z
— SportsDay Cowboys (@dmn_cowboys) October 4, 2026
The good times did not last for the Cowboys. Jaylin Noel helped the Texans with a 53-yard return after Dallas’ touchdown. Houston made the most of the short field, finishing off the drive with a 22-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud to Nico Collins. The Texans once again have a 10-point lead. Cowboys trail 23-13 with 10:50 left in the third.
Article continues below this ad
1 and 2 gotta equal 6 somewhere
📺: @nflonfox https://t.co/PFmkK2DFQE
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 4, 2026
The Cowboys are off to a hot start in the second half. Dallas needed just four plays to get into the end zone after a big return from KaVontae Turpin. CeeDee Lamb set up the scoring play with a 33-yard reception to get Dallas into the red zone. Javonte Williams closed out the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run. Cowboys trail 16-13 with 12:55 left in the third.
Javonte Williams powers it in for the TD! 💪
#Cowboys come out of the break with a quick response to cut into Houston’s lead. #CowboysNation
(via @dallascowboys)
https://t.co/ROAl7uaOcR
— SportsDay Cowboys (@dmn_cowboys) October 4, 2026
Article continues below this ad
The Cowboys are facing a double-digit deficit at halftime. Dallas couldn’t get anything going the last time its offense touched the ball. Dak Prescott took a sack on third down, which helped Houston set up a short field before the quarter ended. The Texans ended the quarter with a 54-yard field goal from Ka’imi Fairbairn. Cowboys trail 16-6 at the end of the first half.
The Texans are up by seven in Houston. After blocking a Cowboys field goal attempt, the Texans extended their lead. C.J. Stroud and the Texans couldn’t get into the end zone after Dallas’ defense came up with a third-down stop. Ka’imi Fairbairn hit a 39-yard kick to end the drive. Cowboys trail 13-6 with 2:00 left in the second.
Things still aren’t looking very good for the Cowboys. Brian Schottenheimer and Co. decided to go for a 62-yard field goal to cut into Houston’s lead. Brandon Aubrey’s kick got nowhere near the goalposts as Houston’s Will Anderson Jr. came up with a big block. This is the second straight week that the Cowboys have been blocked on a field goal attempt.
Will Anderson Jr. blocks the field goal attempt!
@DALvsHOU on FOX/FOX One
Stream on @NFLPlus https://t.co/nkxMzrcx8i
— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2026
The Cowboys still can’t get much going against the Texans’ defense. Dallas had to punt after its last offensive drive. Everything was disrupted when CeeDee Lamb was taken down by Will Anderson Jr. on a reverse.
Another drive, another Cowboys field goal. Dallas’ wide receivers are struggling to gain separation from Houston’s defenders up to this point. The Cowboys settled for the field goal after Dak Prescott found Javonte Williams for a short pass on third down. Williams was promptly stopped by a big hit from Houston’s Jalen Pitre. Brandon Aubrey hit the 50-yard kick to cut into Houston’s lead. Cowboys trail 10-6 with 12:30 left in the second.
The first quarter has ended in Houston. The Cowboys are looking to shake off a rough start. Dallas has the ball heading into the second. Dak Prescott and the offense are facing third-and-5.
Dallas’ defense got some help. Mainly from the Texans’ offensive penalties. Houston’s second drive ended with a 51-yard field goal from Ka’imi Fairbairn. The Cowboys are hoping their offense can respond after keeping the Texans out of the end zone. Cowboys trail 10-3 with 1:49 left in the first.
Dallas’ first drive stalled after Houston’s dangerous pass rushers got to Dak Prescott. The Cowboys had to settle for a 39-yard field goal after Prescott faced pressure on third down. Brandon Aubrey easily converted the kick. Cowboys trail 7-3 with 5:10 left in the first.
Dallas’ defense is off to a rough start. The pass rush struggled to generate any pressure on C.J. Stroud to start the game. The Texans quarterback was able to find his top target in Nico Collins with ease on the opening drive. Collins hauled in two big receptions, including a 7-yard touchdown reception. Cowboys trail 7-0 with 10:01 left in the first.
Welcome back to the end zone, Nico Collins.
@DALvsHOU on FOX/FOX One
Stream on @NFLPlus https://t.co/Vc3ml22f0x
— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2026
The Cowboys won the opening coin toss and deferred. Dallas’ defense will take the field first against C.J. Stroud and the Texans.
Joey Porter Jr. is in his Cowboys uniform and warming up for Week 4. The Cowboys are hoping the cornerback can make a quick impact after this week’s trade.
Joey Porter Jr. in a Cowboys uniform for the first time https://t.co/1fmEZ3Y9Ua
— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) October 4, 2026
Joey Porter Jr. https://t.co/bJ0GGP2Wag
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) October 4, 2026
The Cowboys have unveiled their inactives for Week 4. LB DeMarvion Overshown and CB Cobie Durant are unsurprisingly ruled out as they recover from injuries.
Cowboys inactives vs. Houston:
– LB DeMarvion Overshown
– CB Cobie Durant
– CB Caelen Carson
– RB Emari Demercado
– OLB James Houston
– OL Ajani Cornelius
– WR Camden Brown
— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) October 4, 2026
Our crew is on the scene at Houston’s Reliant Stadium. Follow Calvin Watkins and Joseph Hoyt on X as they provide analysis from Cowboys-Texans.
Is this Heaven? No, it’s Houston — home of the highest press box in the league, perhaps?
Cowboys truly have a must win today against the Texans. https://t.co/oJbtqw6aQg
— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) October 4, 2026
Cowboys-Texans https://t.co/sVXhnen2FU
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) October 4, 2026
TV: Fox (Ch. 4 in the D-FW viewing area)
Streaming: Fox Sports, NFL+
Radio: English: 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM); Spanish: 107.5 La Grande (KMVK-FM)
— The Brian Schottenheimer honeymoon is over. Can his Cowboys quell criticism vs. Texans?
— 5 final thoughts about Cowboys-Texans: Pressuring C.J. Stroud, and will Joey Porter Jr. play?
— Can Cowboys’ Dak Prescott, Brian Schottenheimer find balance after late misfire in Week 3?
— Expert predictions for Cowboys-Texans: Can Dallas bounce back in Battle for Lone Star State?
— Cowboys’ communication breakdowns have been focus of week leading up to Texans matchup