The Week 11 matchup between the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys is shaping up to be a crucial game for both teams. With the Texans holding a 6-4 record, they’ve shown flashes of promise but have struggled in recent weeks.
On the other hand, the Cowboys, sitting at a disappointing 3-6, are in desperate need of a win to salvage their season. As we dive into this prediction, we’ll look at the teams’ form, key players to watch, and betting odds that could influence your game day picks.
Current Form of the Teams
The Texans started the season with an impressive 5-1 record, but recent performances have been a mixed bag. After losing three of their last four games, including tight contests against the Packers, Jets, and Lions, they seem to be stuck in a rut.
However, their defense has been solid, and with the return of top WR Nico Collins, their offense should be more dynamic than in recent weeks.
For the Cowboys, the situation is bleaker. Sitting at 3-6, their season has largely been a disappointment, especially after high expectations coming into 2024. The absence of QB Dak Prescott, who suffered a season-ending injury, has made things even worse.
Backup QB Cooper Rush has struggled in his starts, and the offense as a whole has been stagnant. To make matters worse, CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys’ star WR, has been largely ineffective in recent weeks, making it difficult for the Cowboys to move the ball consistently.
How the Texans’ Defense Will Dominate Against the Cowboys
The Texans’ defense is arguably one of the best in the league this season, ranking among the top five in total yards allowed.
Despite missing star Will Anderson Jr. to injury, the Texans’ defensive line, led by Rasheem Green and Jonathan Greenard, should have a significant advantage against a Cowboys’ offensive line that has been struggling to protect Cooper Rush.
With the Cowboys unable to generate much offense, the Texans’ defense is poised to dominate. Their secondary, one of the toughest in the league, will likely shut down CeeDee Lamb and make it difficult for Rush to find any rhythm.
Expect the Texans to put pressure on Rush early, leading to sacks and turnovers. The Cowboys’ weak offensive line, coupled with their lack of a reliable quarterback, should allow the Texans to dictate the pace of the game defensively.
Key Players in the Texans vs Cowboys Matchup
While C.J. Stroud and the Texans’ offense have had some inconsistency this season, Stroud’s ability to rebound from recent struggles is a key factor in this game. The return of WR Nico Collins will be crucial, as he provides Stroud with a reliable deep threat that could exploit the Cowboys’ banged-up secondary.
Expect Stroud to lean heavily on Collins, and potentially Tank Dell, who has also been a reliable target when healthy.
Texans vs Cowboys Betting Preview: What Are the Odds?
The Texans come into this game as 7.5-point road favorites, with odds varying slightly between sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, and bet365. The Texans are also favored on the moneyline, sitting at around -325, while the Cowboys are underdogs at +260.
The total points are set at 41, with both teams struggling offensively, it’s likely the game will be a low-scoring affair.
For bettors, Texans -7 seems like a solid pick, as they’ve shown the ability to win big even in their recent losses. The Cowboys are struggling on both sides of the ball, and with Rush at QB, they are unlikely to keep pace with the Texans.
If you’re looking for more value, the Texans alt spread -13.5 at +200 could also offer solid returns, especially if the Cowboys’ offense continues to falter.
What Are the Texans’ Chances of Winning Big in Dallas?
The Texans have a good chance of covering the spread and winning by more than 7 points, despite their recent struggles.
With the Cowboys reeling and Cooper Rush unable to generate much offense, it’s tough to see the Cowboys keeping up with the Texans’ defense. Micah Parsons can only do so much to disrupt the game, and the Texans have the weapons to put points on the board.
Expect the Texans to control the game from start to finish. Their defense should dominate, and with Joe Mixon leading the charge in the backfield, the Texans can grind out a solid victory. If the Cowboys can’t generate any offense, the Texans could win by 10-14 points or more.
Will the Cowboys’ Defense Be Able to Stop Joe Mixon and the Texans’ Run Game?
The Cowboys have struggled against the run this season, allowing over 180 yards to several teams, including the Eagles in their last game. With Joe Mixon having been the Texans’ primary offensive weapon lately, it’s likely that the Cowboys will have trouble stopping him. Even though Micah Parsons is a great pass rusher, he won’t be able to do much to stop Mixon in the backfield.
The Texans are likely to exploit the Cowboys’ run defense and establish a strong ground game early. If Mixon can break through the Cowboys’ front seven, it will make life even more difficult for Cooper Rush and the rest of the Cowboys’ offense.
How to Bet on the Texans vs Cowboys Game: Tips and Strategy
When it comes to betting on the Texans vs Cowboys matchup, it’s important to focus on the safer bets. The Texans -7 is the most straightforward option, but if you’re looking for more excitement, consider betting on the Texans alt spread -13.5 for higher odds. Also, taking the Cowboys team total under 14.5 could provide value if you believe their offense will continue to struggle.
Additionally, don’t overlook prop bets, such as Joe Mixon’s rushing yards or C.J. Stroud’s passing yards. Given the way both teams have performed this season, these prop bets could add some extra value to your wagers.
Conclusion
With the Texans favored to win and a solid defense at their disposal, it’s hard to see the Cowboys turning things around this week. The Texans vs Cowboys prediction points to a Texans victory, with the Cowboys struggling to move the ball offensively.
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