Do the Texans Avoid an 0-4 start? Expert Picks (10/4)
Written by: PJ Glasser
Published: Fri Oct 02, 2026, 11:04 am ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
nfl
Spread
Total
Moneyline
+3.0
-109
48
-110u
+142
Spread
Total
Moneyline
-3.0
-105
48
-105o
-150
This is only the 8th meeting all time between two teams separated by 240 miles. The Cowboys lead the all-time series 4-3 over the Texans and Sunday is a big one. Dallas coming off a brutal loss to the Ravens look to avoid a 1-3 start, while the Texans are hoping to prevent going 0-4. A huge game in the lone star state between two teams with high expectations coming into the year. Let's break it down.
For additional information on picks, props, moneylines, and more on today's slate, take a look at our NFL Picks Page or our NFL Odds Page.
Dallas Cowboys vs Houston Texans Game Information
What makes this matchup so fun is that Dallas has one of the best offenses in the league and Houston has one of the best defenses. One of those "best on best" type games. I think one of the reasons both teams are off to a slow start to begin the year is that both the Cowboys offense and Texans defense haven't been as great as we expected.
Through 3 games Dallas is 12th in offense in yards per game (330.3) and 7th in points per game (29.3). Not bad numbers at all, but when your defense is 8th worst in Points Per Game given up (27.3) and 3rd worst in yards per game given up (387.0) that's why they are 1-2.
Houston on the other hand is 16th in yards per game given up on defense (325.3) and 18th in PPG allowed (25.0). Yes they have faced the Bills, Bengals, and Colts who are all good offenses, but you're talking about maybe the best defense in football. If they don't get back to that level of dominance they are going to continue to lose games.
Matchup Information – Dallas vs Houston– October 4
- Venue & Location: Reliant Stadium (Houston, TX)
- Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Kick Off: 1:00 p.m. Eastern
- Broadcast: FOX
Cowboys vs Texans Betting Odds
Odds courtesy of BetOnline as of Friday , October 2, 2026 at 11:05 a.m. eastern.
Spread
- Cowboys +3 (-109)
- Texans -3 (-111)
Moneyline
- Cowboys +142
- Texans -162
Total
- Over 48 (-110)
- Under 48 (-110)
Dallas Cowboys vs Houston Texans NFL Expert Picks
Best Bet: Texans -3 (-112) & C.J. Stroud longest pass completion Over 38.5 yards (-117) Lucky Rebel
The Texans are no stranger to the position they are in. They were also 0-3 last year and ended up making the playoffs. Their schedule hasn't been difficult to start, but they know they can dig themselves out of this hole because they did it last year.
As I mentioned, this game is "best on best". Cowboys offense and Texans defense are two of the best units in the NFL. I kind of look at that side of the ball as a wash. On the other side is where the game will be won. Texans offense vs Cowboys defense.
The Texans offense is struggling again this season, but I think they can find success in this game. They had a really good Week 1 showing against the Bills defense that isn't very good. Now they are going up against a Cowboys defense that also isn't good. Dallas is 2nd worst in the league against the run. This should be a big David Montgomery game. On top of that Dallas is beaten up in the secondary. They just traded for Joey Porter Jr., but I don't know how effective he will be in his first week with the team. Dallas will likely load up on the run and force C.J. to beat them from the pocket.
With this line of thinking I'm taking C.J. Stroud longest pass completion over 38.5 yards. If the Cowboys try to load up to stop the run that should leave these Texans WR's with opportunities to make plays against the backup secondary players for Dallas.
Houston is 0-3 and this is an absolute must win for them. Dallas is also coming back from Rio after that crushing loss to the Ravens. I'll take Texans -3. I think they win and cover.
Still Didn't Get Your Betting Fix?
Follow me on X for all my picks, analysis, and plenty more. Also, be sure to follow Betting News on 'X' and Twitch to catch us on stream! The MLB season is a grind, and we are here to make it exciting every step of the way. Betting News is also on TikTok! Follow us for more sports picks and news every day, and check out our Free Expert Picks for every major sports league.
Check Out All of Our Betting Resources at Betting News
PJ has hosted national radio shows for the past 4 years on BETMGM Network and Westwood One Sports breaking down college football, college basketball, the NFL, MLB, and Golf. His sharp analysis and insight have earned him a growing following that looks forward to all his picks. Give him a follow on X: @PJGlasser9
This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.
More NFL News
