Houston Texans vs. Dallas Cowboys: Game Preview (11/18/24)

The Houston Texans visit the Dallas Cowboys in an all-Texas Monday Night Football matchup. Both teams enter the game on the back of losses, but with contrasting performances this season. Houston looks to solidify their playoff position, while Dallas aims to turn around a disappointing campaign in front of their home crowd.

Betting Lines and Totals

• Spread: Houston -7 | Dallas +7
• Moneyline: Houston -333 | Dallas +287
• Over/Under (O/U): 41.5

The Texans are solid road favorites, reflecting their superior form and the Cowboys’ defensive struggles this season.

Season Records

Houston Texans (6-4 SU, 7-3 ATS, 5-5 O/U):

• Houston has been consistent this season, boasting a 4-1 SU record at home and 2-3 SU on the road.
• Against the spread (ATS), Houston has been reliable, covering in 7 of 10 games.

Dallas Cowboys (3-6 SU, 2-7 ATS, 5-4 O/U):

• The Cowboys have struggled to find rhythm, particularly at home, where they are 0-4 SU and ATS.
• Their defense has allowed 38.25 points per game at home, making it challenging to secure wins.

Recent Form

• Houston Texans:
• Lost their last game 26-23 against Detroit, though they have averaged 24.4 points in their last five games.
• They’ve allowed 22.4 points per game over the season, showcasing a balanced defensive effort.
• Dallas Cowboys:
• Suffered a heavy 34-6 loss to Philadelphia in their last outing, continuing a tough stretch where they’ve averaged just 17 points over their last three games.
• Their defense has struggled mightily, allowing an average of 30.33 points in the last three games.

Offensive and Defensive Matchups

Houston’s Offense vs. Dallas’ Defense:

• Houston averages 22.4 points per game, with a slightly higher 24.4 average in their last five contests.
• Dallas has allowed 28.78 points per game this season, including a staggering 38.25 at home.
  Advantage: Houston’s offense should find ample opportunities against a porous Dallas defense.

Dallas’ Offense vs. Houston’s Defense:

• Dallas averages 19.67 points per game but just 14.75 at home.
• Houston has held opponents to 22.6 points per game, with a road average of 25.4 points allowed.
  Advantage: Houston’s defense has been more reliable, likely limiting Dallas’ inconsistent offense.

Trends and Situational Stats

• Houston Texans:
• 2-3 SU and ATS as road underdogs this season, averaging 22.4 points per game on the road.
• They’ve won and covered their last three meetings against Dallas.
• Dallas Cowboys:
• Winless at home this season, allowing 36.33 points per game as home underdogs.
• Struggling ATS, covering in only 2 of 9 games this season.

Key Factors

• Houston’s Playoff Push: With a 6-4 record, the Texans have a chance to strengthen their postseason positioning against a vulnerable opponent.
• Dallas’ Defensive Woes: The Cowboys’ inability to contain offenses at home has been a major weakness.

Projected Outcome

Prediction: Texans 27, Cowboys 17

Key Points:

• Houston’s offense is expected to control the game, capitalizing on Dallas’ defensive struggles.
• The Cowboys’ lack of scoring punch, combined with a shaky defense, leaves them at a disadvantage against a playoff-caliber Texans squad.

Look for the Texans to cover the spread and hand Dallas another home loss.