When the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys clash, it’s more than just a football game—it’s a battle for state supremacy. This Lone Star rivalry, often contested for the Governor’s Cup, pits Texas’s two NFL franchises against each other in a matchup that divides households and captivates the entire state. For fans and analysts, understanding the Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats is key to appreciating the nuances of this contest.
This deep dive analyzes the head-to-head history, breaks down the latest team performances, and highlights the individual players whose performances could decide the next chapter in this storied rivalry.
The Rivalry at a Glance: Historical Context
The current rivalry between the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys is relatively young but fiercely competitive. Since the Texans joined the NFL as an expansion team in 2002, the two teams have met seven times in the regular season. The Dallas Cowboys currently lead the series 4-3, though the Houston Texans claimed the latest victory in dominant fashion.
Historically, the Cowboys have held a slight statistical edge in these matchups. Through their seven meetings, Dallas has out-gained Houston in both passing and rushing yards overall. Cowboys quarterbacks have collectively thrown for 1,691 yards and 10 touchdowns against the Texans, while Texans QBs have amassed 1,528 yards and 5 touchdowns. However, the games are often close, with multiple contests being decided by a single score or in overtime.
Breaking Down the Latest Showdown: Texans 34, Cowboys 10 (2024)
The most recent meeting on November 18, 2024, was a statement win for the Houston Texans. In a 34-10 victory at AT&T Stadium, the Texans controlled the game on both sides of the ball.
Key Player Performances from the 2024 Game:
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Joe Mixon (HOU, RB): The Texans’ running back was the offensive engine, scoring three rushing touchdowns, including a 45-yard burst in the first quarter.
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Derek Barnett (HOU, DE): The defense sealed the game with a pivotal play in the fourth quarter—a 28-yard fumble return for a touchdown.
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KaVontae Turpin (DAL, WR): Provided one of the few bright spots for Dallas with a 64-yard touchdown reception from backup quarterback Cooper Rush.
This game underscored a shift in momentum and set the stage for future encounters, emphasizing the importance of defensive plays and a strong ground game.
2025 Regular Season Player Stat Leaders
To forecast the next matchup, we must look at the players who are defining each team’s 2025 season. The following stats paint a picture of two teams built differently but loaded with talent.
Houston Texans 2025 Key Contributors
The Texans boast a balanced offense and an aggressive, play-making defense.
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Passing: C.J. Stroud continues to be the franchise cornerstone. In 14 games, he threw for 3,041 yards with 19 touchdowns, maintaining a passer rating of 92.9.
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Rushing: The ground game is a collective effort, but Joe Mixon remains a primary weapon, contributing significantly both as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield.
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Receiving: Nico Collins emerged as a top target, averaging an impressive 15.7 yards per reception and scoring 6 touchdowns in 15 games.
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Defense: The Texans’ defense is ferocious. Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. recorded 12 sacks, while fellow end Danielle Hunter led the team with 15 sacks. The secondary is ball-hawking, with defensive back Derek Stingley Jr. grabbing 4 interceptions and returning one for a touchdown.
Dallas Cowboys 2025 Key Contributors
The Cowboys’ offense runs through their star quarterback and elite pass-catchers, while the defense features consistent tacklers.
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Passing: Dak Prescott orchestrated the offense, completing 404 of 600 passes for 4,552 yards and 30 touchdowns during the season.
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Rushing: The backfield was led by Ezekiel Elliott, who rushed for 1,201 yards on 252 carries, finding the end zone 11 times.
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Receiving: CeeDee Lamb was Prescott’s favorite target, hauling in 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns.
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Defense: Linebacker Micah Parsons was a disruptive force once again, leading the team with 8.5 sacks despite missing a few games. The defensive backfield saw contributions from several players, with Trevon Diggs and Donovan Wilson each securing 2 interceptions.
Table: 2025 Season Passing Leaders Comparison
| Stat Category | Houston Texans (C.J. Stroud) | Dallas Cowboys (Dak Prescott) |
|---|---|---|
| Completions/Attempts | 273 / 423 | 404 / 600 |
| Passing Yards | 3,041 | 4,552 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 19 | 30 |
| Passer Rating | 92.9 | 99.5 |
Key Matchups to Watch in the Next Game
Based on current rosters and historical trends, several individual battles will likely determine the outcome of the next Texans vs. Cowboys game:
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Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb vs. Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr.: This is a premier showdown. Lamb’s elite route-running against Stingley’s cover skills and ball-hawking ability (4 INTs in 2025) could be a game-within-the-game.
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Texans Pass Rush (Will Anderson Jr. & Danielle Hunter) vs. Cowboys Offensive Line: The Texans’ duo combined for 27 sacks in 2025. Their ability to pressure Dak Prescott will be critical in disrupting the Cowboys’ potent passing attack.
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Cowboys Run Defense vs. Texans RB Joe Mixon: The Texans have shown they will ride Mixon, as seen in the 2024 win. The Cowboys’ front must contain him to force the Texans into predictable passing situations.
The Road Ahead
The Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys rivalry is beautifully poised. With the series close at 4-3 and a new generation of stars like C.J. Stroud and Micah Parsons taking center stage, every future matchup carries significant weight. The 2024 result proved that past records mean little when these two teams take the field.
Analyzing Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats reveals more than just numbers; it shows evolving strategies, individual brilliance, and the relentless pursuit of bragging rights in America’s largest football-crazed state.
Who do you think will win the next Battle for Texas? Will the Cowboys’ offensive firepower prevail, or will the Texans’ ferocious defense dictate the game? Share your prediction in the comments below and join the conversation!