Cowboys Defeated Texans 34-30 in Week 4

The Dallas Cowboys secured a victory over the Houston Texans to reach a .500 record.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Football

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The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Houston Texans 34-30 during Week 4 action. The win brings the Cowboys to a 2-2 record for the current season.

Why it matters

The victory provides the Dallas Cowboys with momentum as they look to stabilize their performance after a mixed start to the season. This result marks a pivotal point for the team as they aim to improve their standing within the league.

In his debut, newly acquired defender Joey Porter Jr. participated in 24 snaps for the Cowboys defense. Meanwhile, C.J. Stroud finished the game completing 21-of-31 passes for 347 yards and two touchdowns.

The players

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are a professional football franchise based in Texas that competes in the NFL.

Houston Texans

The Houston Texans are a professional football team based in Houston, Texas.

Joey Porter Jr.

Joey Porter Jr. is a professional defensive player recently acquired by the Dallas Cowboys from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

C.J. Stroud

C.J. Stroud is a professional quarterback who leads the passing offense for the Houston Texans.

The details

The Dallas Cowboys offense successfully put 34 points on the board to overcome the Houston Texans. Joey Porter Jr. saw significant involvement on the field, logging 24 defensive snaps in his first appearance since joining the team from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Dallas Cowboys faced the Houston Texans during Week 4 of the season.

Season Trajectory

This win keeps the Cowboys in the mix for divisional contention as the season approaches its midpoint. Staying at a .500 record maintains competitive balance for the roster while the team integrates new acquisitions like Joey Porter Jr.

The Cowboys move to a 2-2 record, placing the team squarely in the middle of the playoff hunt at the quarter-mark of the season. C.J. Stroud continues to be a high-volume passer, providing significant fantasy production despite the loss.

The takeaway

Maintaining a .500 record early in the season offers the Cowboys a foundation to build upon for the remainder of their schedule. The integration of new defensive talent suggests a focus on bolstering roster depth to handle late-season fatigue.