Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats

What Made the Texans vs Cowboys Game on 18 November 2024 a Significant Matchup?

Why was this particular meeting between the Houston Texans and the Dallas Cowboys more than just another regular season fixture? For many fans across the UK and globally, this Texas showdown carried added intrigue. Both teams, representing major cities with rich sporting cultures, entered the contest with different trajectories.

The Texans were enjoying a promising season at 7-4, while the Cowboys were looking to snap a disappointing streak with a 3-7 record, including being winless at home.

The matchup, played at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on 18 November 2024, delivered moments of high drama, tactical adjustments, and standout individual performances. With nearly 93,000 fans in attendance, the clash became more than just a rivalry game, it was a compelling case study in form, discipline, and execution.

How Did the Match Progress from the First to Fourth Quarter?

The Texans set the tone early, scoring two touchdowns in the opening quarter, leaving the Cowboys on the back foot. Dallas managed to respond in the second quarter with a field goal and a touchdown, but those ten points would be their only contribution for the rest of the game.

Here is the quarter-by-quarter breakdown:

Quarter	Houston Texans	Dallas Cowboys
1st	14	0
2nd	3	10
3rd	3	0
4th	14	0
Final	34	10

The Texans remained in control throughout the second half, scoring 17 unanswered points and shutting out the Cowboys in both the third and fourth quarters.

Which Texans Players Delivered the Most Impactful Performances?

C.J. Stroud, the Texans’ starting quarterback, led the team with both confidence and composure. His 23 completions on 34 attempts for 257 yards, despite one interception, allowed Houston to maintain offensive rhythm. Unlike previous games where Stroud had to chase the result, here he was able to command the game with efficient passing and time management.

In the backfield, Joe Mixon made the biggest difference. With 109 rushing yards and three touchdowns on just 20 carries, Mixon dismantled the Cowboys’ defence with a mixture of power and agility. He was especially effective in red zone situations, turning possessions into crucial points.

Receiver Nico Collins, while not racking up huge yardage, contributed with critical catches that extended drives. He finished with 4 receptions for 54 yards, many of which came on third downs or deep in enemy territory.

Defensively, Danielle Hunter was dominant on the edge, tallying 2 sacks and consistent quarterback pressure. Jalen Pitre, a standout in the secondary, led the team with 9 total tackles, including several key stops that stifled the Cowboys’ momentum.

What Went Wrong for the Cowboys Despite Decent Yardage?

The Dallas Cowboys found success moving the ball, finishing with 388 total yards, nearly matching Houston’s 391. However, execution at key moments proved to be their downfall.

Quarterback Cooper Rush, who threw for 354 yards on 32 completions out of 55 attempts, showed flashes of potential. But his lone touchdown and one interception highlighted the team’s red-zone struggles.

Dallas’ inability to convert on crucial fourth-down attempts (0-for-4) and their failure to score in the second half played a significant role in their defeat. Their rushing game, led by Rico Dowdle, never found its rhythm. Dowdle managed just 28 yards on 10 carries, leaving the offence one-dimensional.

While CeeDee Lamb stood out with 93 receiving yards on 8 receptions, most of his yardage came between the 20s, and the Texans defence clamped down near the end zone.

How Do the Game Stats Reveal the Story Behind the Scoreline?

Although the total yardage was evenly matched, the real differences lay in efficiency, turnovers, and execution under pressure. Below is a comparison of the key team stats:

Statistic	Houston Texans	Dallas Cowboys
Total Yards	391	388
Turnovers	1	2
First Downs	21	24
Penalties	9 (69 yards)	9 (66 yards)
Third Down Efficiency	4/12	5/15
Fourth Down Efficiency	1/2	0/4
Red Zone Efficiency	2/4	0/1
Time of Possession	30:37	29:23

Despite trailing in first downs, the Texans were more clinical when it mattered. Dallas’ failure on fourth downs and their red zone conversion rate of 0% speak volumes about their lack of finishing power.

How Has the Head-to-Head Rivalry Between the Two Teams Evolved?

This most recent victory by the Texans not only narrowed the head-to-head gap but also highlighted a shift in the competitive balance between the two franchises.

Year	Winner	Score	Venue
2024	Texans	34–10	AT&T Stadium
2022	Cowboys	27–23	AT&T Stadium
2018	Texans	19–16 (OT)	NRG Stadium
2014	Cowboys	20–17 (OT)	AT&T Stadium
2010	Cowboys	27–13	Reliant Stadium
2006	Cowboys	34–6	Texas Stadium
2002	Texans	19–10	Reliant Stadium

The current head-to-head record stands at:

Team	Wins	Losses
Dallas Cowboys	4	3
Houston Texans	3	4

Historically, Dallas has had the upper hand, but recent seasons show a far more competitive rivalry developing.

How Do the All-Time Franchise Stats Compare?

While the Cowboys have a much longer and more storied history, comparing the broader performance of the two teams offers valuable insight into their current form.

Metric	Cowboys (1960–2025)	Texans (2002–2025)
Win-Loss Percentage	.573	.437
Average Points/Game	23.1	20.7
Average Points Allowed	20.3	22.9
Playoff Appearances	36	8
Championships	5	0

Despite Dallas’ dominance in historical metrics, Houston’s modern development, coaching structure, and talent pool suggest a team moving in the right direction.

What Can We Learn from the Passing and Rushing Statistics?

Head-to-Head Passing Totals (2002–2024)

Team	Completions	Attempts	Yards	TDs	INTs	Yards/Attempt
Cowboys	158	255	1691	10	7	6.18
Texans	148	222	1528	5	9	4.99

Head-to-Head Rushing Totals (2002–2024)

Team	Attempts	Yards	Avg	Touchdowns
Cowboys	199	855	4.3	5
Texans	198	764	3.9	6

Dallas has been more efficient in the passing and running game historically, but the Texans have taken more advantage of goal-line opportunities in recent matchups.

What Does This Mean for Both Teams Moving Forward?

The Texans are now sitting at 7-4, and their away record of 3-3 reflects a team gaining confidence on the road. Their playoff aspirations are increasingly realistic, especially with performances like this. With a balanced offence and an aggressive defence, they are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the AFC.

On the other hand, the Cowboys are now 3-7 and remain winless at home. The loss deepens concerns over coaching decisions, quarterback stability, and inconsistency across both sides of the ball. The coming weeks will be critical for Dallas as they try to salvage pride and develop younger players.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often do the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys face each other?

They play once every four years in the regular season due to being in different conferences, unless matched in a Super Bowl.

Who was the standout player in the 2024 Texans vs Cowboys game?

Joe Mixon stood out with 109 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns, playing a vital role in Houston’s victory.

What are the Texans’ chances of making the playoffs?

With a 7-4 record and momentum building, the Texans are in a strong position to qualify for the postseason.

How does Cooper Rush’s performance affect his starting role?

Although he threw for 354 yards, his inefficiency in red zone and high number of attempts without production raises doubts.

Have the Texans ever beaten the Cowboys before 2024?

Yes, including this win, they have defeated the Cowboys three times: in 2002, 2018, and 2024.

Why did the Cowboys lose despite having nearly equal yardage?

Turnovers, failed fourth-down attempts, and poor red-zone efficiency contributed to their defeat.

Where can UK fans watch future NFL games?

NFL Game Pass, Sky Sports, and DAZN offer coverage of all NFL games live in the UK.