NFL predictions: The Houston Texans run it back against the Dallas Cowboys

How are we here again? Your Houston Texans are 0-3. The offense, loaded with weapons, was struggling to put more than 18 points per game on the board and suddenly, it had to win against the Oklahoma South Cowboys.

Fanduel’s odds currently have the Texans down by 3. Will Kaimi Fairbairn take that bet and kick H-Town to their first win of 2026? I hope it doesn’t come to that. However, the betting site’s first prop bet has the Texans’ opening drive ending in a field goal as a more likely outcome than a touchdown.

Texan fan and BRB loyalist Sarlegant pointed out a recent Seth Payne video the other day where former H-Town defender Payne unpacked some Texans truths. After listening to head coach Demeco Ryans discuss the coaching staff, play calling and some other great news on video, there is hope for Battle Red Nation!

If you’re not familiar with Seth Payne, despite his comical self-deprecation, he has a very unique place in local Texans coverage. As a former player, brilliant student of the game and passionate Texans fan, Payne has unique access and insights into the organization, coaching, scheme and results on the field. When he breaks things down, you’ll probably learn something new, and you’ll laugh more than once.

Reason for hope: the offense returns to Nico Collins and Ed Ingram this week. Dallas pulled off a lucrative trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers this week to secure cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who could start this weekend. Cowboy fans think that’s cool. Texans fans remember Collins facing Porter in last season’s playoffs.

First Prediction: Nico Collins scores on Joey Porter Jr.

While Collins didn’t have a stellar outing in the Texans 30-6 blowout of the Steelers in the wild card last season, Nico is a “put the team on your back and win” type of player. Sitting on the sidelines, watching his teammates struggle to move the ball and score points he sobbed himself. With Tank Dell still out, Jayden Higgins on IR and tight ends serving as o-linemen, Collins will get quarterback CJ Stroud’s attention early and often. Expect him to step up.

Second Prediction: Will Anderson Jr. has a 3 sack game.

Much has been said about the “players only” meeting that Anderson Jr. led. last week. While not every player on defense seemed to respond against the Indianapolis Colts, it was very clear that Anderson Jr. is on a mission to win the Super Bowl, even if he has to do it all alone.

Dak Prescott has been sacked 3 times in 2026, but he’s never faced a defense like Houston’s. With the need to hold the ball less, his desire to scramble will increase. Derek Stingley Jr. had 2 breakups and an interception the last time these teams met and Prescott will remember. And with that memory, he opened himself up to pressure from Danielle Hunter, Sheldon Rankins, Jadeveon Clowney and Anderson Jr.

Reason for hope: Despite Ryans recent insistence that offensive coordinator Nick Caley will continue to call the plays, Ryan admitted that things are not working as they should. How will this play out this weekend? Hopefully other voices (Stroud, QB coach Jerry Shuplinski, Ryans) will speak up on the play calling. This offense has the talent to perform, just not the way Caley seems to think they should.

On paper, the Cowboys seem like the better team right now in 2026. But they don’t stand up to a team like Josh Allen’s Buffalo Bills. Houston had, and almost won.

Third Prediction: Dallas Cowboys 19 Houston Texans 31

The Texans are due for a breakout game. The H-town football fanship continues to sail rough seas, but for every trough between the waves, there’s a crest to keep us all hoping for more. The offense seems to be suddenly clicking, the defense is contributing a touchdown, and Dare Ogunbowale is re-energizing special teams. Not only will the Texans get their first win in 2026, they’ll beat the spread doing it.

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