Cowboys Rally Past Texans 34-30 Behind Lamb and Williams

The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Houston Texans 34-30 on Sunday, October 4, 2026, overcoming a 10-point halftime deficit behind CeeDee Lamb’s 189 receiving yards and Javonte Williams’ three rushing touchdowns. Dallas scored 28 second-half points at Reliant Stadium to complete a fourth-quarter comeback, improve to 2-2 and leave Houston still searching for its first victory.

This Week 4 matchup turned on a dramatic change in scoring pace. The Cowboys managed only six points before halftime, then produced consecutive 14-point quarters. Houston kept scoring, too, but its early cushion ultimately could not withstand Dallas’ second-half surge.

Dallas Turns a Slow Start Into a Road Win

Houston established the early advantage, outscoring Dallas 10-3 in the first quarter. The Texans added another six points in the second while allowing three, taking a 16-6 lead into halftime. At that stage, Dallas needed more than a modest offensive improvement: it needed touchdowns to close the gap.

The Cowboys delivered after the break. A 14-point third quarter cut Houston’s advantage to 23-20, setting up a final period with little room for error. Dallas had erased most of the deficit, but the Texans still entered the fourth quarter ahead.

That made the closing quarter decisive. Dallas outscored Houston 14-7 over the final 15 minutes, turning a three-point deficit into a four-point victory. The Cowboys’ second-half scoring advantage was 28-14—enough to overcome the uneven opening half and settle the game in regulation.

The supplied game summary does not identify the winning drive’s sequence or provide turnover, sack, fourth-down, red-zone or special teams details. What the quarter-by-quarter totals establish clearly is that Dallas had to come from behind in the fourth quarter, rather than simply protect a lead.

Key Performers: Lamb, Williams and Stroud

CeeDee Lamb: His receiving line was 17 REC, 189 YDS, 1 TD. The game’s receiving leader supplied exceptional volume, averaging approximately 11.1 yards per catch. Seventeen receptions made Lamb the most prominent receiving performer in a game that demanded sustained production from Dallas.

Javonte Williams: The rushing leader finished with 19 CAR, 62 YDS, 3 TD. His yardage total was modest compared with Lamb’s, but his three rushing touchdowns were central to the Cowboys’ scoring output. Williams and Lamb combined for four touchdowns.

C.J. Stroud: Houston’s passer posted 21/31, 347 YDS, 2 TD, completing approximately 67.7% of his attempts. His production helped the Texans reach 30 points, but it was not enough to secure the win. Stroud’s interception total and Dallas’ quarterback statistics were not supplied.

NerdSports Stat: Dallas scored 28 of its 34 points after halftime—82.4% of its total scoring output.

What Comes Next

Dallas returns home to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday, October 8, at 5:15 PM PDT. Houston hosts the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, October 11, at 10:00 AM PDT. At 2-2, the Cowboys have a chance to build momentum in the NFC East race; at 0-4, the Texans face growing urgency heading into an AFC South matchup.

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