Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys: Complete Game Recap & Player Stats
The Houston Texans stormed into AT&T Stadium on November 18, 2024, and dismantled the Dallas Cowboys 34–10, in a matchup that felt more like a playoff audition than a regular-season clash. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud delivered another clinical performance, while Houston’s defense suffocated Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense from start to finish.
For Houston, it was validation — proof that head coach DeMeco Ryans has transformed the Texans into a team capable of dominating elite opponents on the road.
Game Overview
The night began with fireworks as Stroud wasted no time attacking Dallas’ secondary. On the opening drive, he found Tank Dell streaking across the middle for a 27-yard touchdown. That early blow rattled the Cowboys’ defense, and it set the tone for a one-sided affair.
Defensive coordinator Matt Burke’s unit kept up relentless pressure. Midway through the second quarter, Derek Barnett scooped a live fumble and raced 42 yards to the end zone, giving Houston a commanding lead.
Dallas never recovered. Ka’imi Fairbairn added two field goals to send Houston into halftime up 20–3, while Will Anderson Jr. terrorized Prescott with two sacks.
In the second half, Nico Collins joined the party with a 15-yard touchdown grab, and Joe Mixon capped things off with a 5-yard scoring run. The Cowboys’ only touchdown — a short Tony Pollard plunge — arrived long after the outcome was settled.
Scoring Summary
| Quarter | Team | Scoring Play | Type | Updated Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Q (10:18) | Texans | Stroud → Dell 27 yd TD (Fairbairn kick) | 🏈 TD | HOU 7–0 |
| 1Q (3:02) | Texans | Fairbairn 41 yd FG | 🎯 FG | HOU 10–0 |
| 2Q (11:07) | Texans | Barnett 42 yd Fumble Return TD (Fairbairn kick) | 🏈 TD | HOU 17–0 |
| 2Q (5:33) | Cowboys | Aubrey 42 yd FG | 🎯 FG | HOU 17–3 |
| 2Q (0:52) | Texans | Fairbairn 34 yd FG | 🎯 FG | HOU 20–3 |
| 3Q (8:14) | Texans | Stroud → Collins 15 yd TD (Fairbairn kick) | 🏈 TD | HOU 27–3 |
| 4Q (11:41) | Texans | Mixon 5 yd TD run (Fairbairn kick) | 🏈 TD | HOU 34–3 |
| 4Q (4:05) | Cowboys | Pollard 1 yd TD run (Aubrey kick) | 🏈 TD | Final HOU 34–10 |
Top Player Stats
Houston Texans – Key Performers
| Player | Position | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| C.J. Stroud | QB | 23 / 32, 287 YDS, 2 TD, 0 INT |
| Joe Mixon | RB | 21 CAR, 88 YDS, 1 TD |
| Tank Dell | WR | 7 REC, 95 YDS, 1 TD |
| Nico Collins | WR | 5 REC, 64 YDS, 1 TD |
| Will Anderson Jr. | DE | 2 SACKS, 5 TCKL, 2 QB HITS |
| Derek Barnett | DL | 1 FR TD, 4 TCKL |
| Steven Nelson | CB | 1 INT, 3 PD |
| Ka’imi Fairbairn | K | 2 FG (41 & 34), 4 XP |
Dallas Cowboys – Key Performers
| Player | Position | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Dak Prescott | QB | 22 / 34, 201 YDS, 0 TD, 1 INT |
| Tony Pollard | RB | 17 CAR, 67 YDS, 1 TD |
| CeeDee Lamb | WR | 8 REC, 74 YDS |
| Brandin Cooks | WR | 3 REC, 42 YDS |
| Jake Ferguson | TE | 4 REC, 35 YDS |
| Micah Parsons | LB | 6 TCKL, 1 SACK |
| DaRon Bland | CB | 7 TCKL, 1 PD |
| Brandon Aubrey | K | 1 FG (42), 1 XP |
Team Stats Comparison
| Category | Texans | Cowboys |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 388 | 276 |
| Passing Yards | 287 | 201 |
| Rushing Yards | 101 | 75 |
| First Downs | 23 | 17 |
| 3rd Down Efficiency | 7 / 13 (54 %) | 4 / 12 (33 %) |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Penalties | 3–25 | 6–60 |
| Time of Possession | 33:41 | 26:19 |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 3 / 4 | 1 / 3 |
Turning Points
- Barnett’s Scoop-and-Score: Houston’s defensive touchdown broke Dallas’ rhythm early.
- Anderson’s Pressure: Two sacks on third down kept Prescott unsettled all game.
- Stroud’s Precision: Executed every third-down throw with elite efficiency.
- Cowboys’ Play-Calling Collapse: Short throws and missed reads defined their offense.
- Mixon’s Finisher: His 5-yard TD in the fourth punctuated the Texans’ total control.
ou may also want to see the stats of Houston Texans match against Jacksonville Jaguars
Analyst Takeaways
The Texans are no longer rebuilding — they’re rising. Under DeMeco Ryans, this team has found an identity anchored in discipline and confidence. Stroud’s decision-making continues to impress, while Will Anderson Jr. looks like the next great defensive cornerstone in the AFC.
For the Cowboys, the loss exposed familiar problems: inconsistent offensive rhythm and a reliance on individual heroics. With Mike McCarthy under increasing pressure, Dallas must rediscover balance and resilience before playoff hopes fade.
Fan FAQs
Q: When was the game played?
A: November 18, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Q: What was the final score?
A: Houston Texans 34, Dallas Cowboys 10.
Q: Who led Houston’s offense?
A: Rookie QB C.J. Stroud with 287 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Q: Which defensive player made the biggest impact?
A: Derek Barnett, returning a fumble 42 yards for a touchdown.
Q: What’s next for both teams?
A: Houston solidifies playoff positioning; Dallas must fix protection and scheme balance.
Final Thoughts
The Houston Texans proved that youth and leadership can coexist. With Stroud, Mixon, and Anderson leading the way, Houston looks like a franchise ready to dominate the AFC for years.
The Cowboys, however, remain a puzzle — brimming with talent but short on consistency. Until they solve that, Texas will belong to Houston.
