The Houston Texans will host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night in one of the most anticipated NFL week five games. Both teams have struggled in the early part of the season, but a win could help turn their season around. The two Texas rivals have not met since the 2014 season, a win by the Cowboys.
The Houston Texans come into this game with a 1-3 record and in third place in the AFC South. The Texans lost their first three games of the season before beating the Indianapolis Colts, 37-34 last week. Dallas is currently 2-2 on the season, but have played inconsistent football. The Cowboys earned a 26-24 victory over the Detroit Lions in week four. The Houston Texans are -3 on Sunday Night Football.
Texans Defense Needs To Step Up
The Houston Texans were supposed to have a top NFL defense, but that hasn’t been the case this season. Houston has given up 27 points per game this season, which ranks in the bottom third of the NFL. Former defensive player of the year, J.J. Watt has already recorded five sacks and four forced fumbles this season, but their secondary has let them down. The Texans will have to find a way to get stops in this game.
Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has played well after returning this season from a torn ACL injury. Watson has thrown for 1,246 yards and seven touchdowns this season while completing 62 percent of his passes. The Texans have scored just two rushing touchdowns all season, with Watson accounting for one of them. Houston needs to find balance on offense against the Cowboys.
Prescott Struggling For Dallas
Dak Prescott burst onto the scene as an NFL rookie, but he has struggled under center for the Cowboys this season. Prescott has thrown for just 166.5 yards per game this season and has only thrown for four touchdowns. Cole Beasley has emerged as the Cowboys top wide receiver this season, but Dallas clearly misses Dez Bryant on the offensive side of the ball.
The Dallas Cowboys defense has given up just 19.3 points per game this season, which is the seventh-best mark in the NFL. The Cowboys have been able to get a ton of pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season, with DeMarcus Lawrence racking up 5.5 sacks through four games. Dallas has yet to intercept a pass this season but should get some chances against Watson in this game.
Houston Beats In-State Rival
Both the Cowboys and Texans expected to contend for the playoffs this season, but they need to turn their seasons around soon. This game should be a defensive battle, as both teams will try to put a ton of pressure on the opposition. The Cowboys have been a mess on offense all season long, and that trend should continue in this game. Look for the Texans to score a late touchdown to beat their in-state rival in this game. Bet the Houston Texans -3 over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
