The NFL season is heating up, and all eyes are on the upcoming clash between the Houston Texans and the Dallas Cowboys. With the game set to take place at the iconic AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, fans and bettors alike are eager to see how these two teams will fare. Scheduled for 8:15 pm ET on Monday, November 18, 2024, this matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter. But what do the numbers say, and what should bettors be looking out for?
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
The betting lines have been set, and the Texans are coming in as the favorites. According to DraftKings, the point spread is Texans -7, Cowboys +7, with an over/under of 42 points. Bet365 mirrors these odds, while BetMGM slightly adjusts the spread to Texans -7.5, Cowboys +7.5. What does this mean for those looking to place a wager? The Texans are expected to win by at least a touchdown, but can the Cowboys defy the odds?
Season Record and Recent Form
The Texans have been having a solid season, boasting a 6-4 record and sitting at the top of the AFC South. However, they are coming off a narrow loss to the Detroit Lions, where they fell 26-23. C.J. Stroud, their starting QB, had a mixed performance with 232 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have struggled this season, holding a 3-6 record and languishing in third place in the NFC West. Their recent form hasn’t been encouraging, with a heavy 34-6 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in their last outing.
Houston Texans vs Dallas Cowboys Preview and Analysis
The Texans have shown resilience this season, particularly in their home games where they hold a 4-1 record. However, their road performance has been less impressive at 2-3. As they prepare to face the Cowboys, they’ll need to capitalize on their strengths, especially with key players like Joe Mixon and John Metchie III stepping up in recent games. On the defensive side, Kamari Lassiter and Jimmie Ward have been pivotal, and their contributions will be crucial against the Cowboys.
For the Cowboys, the absence of Dak Prescott has been a significant blow. Cooper Rush has taken over the reins, but his performance against the Eagles left much to be desired. The Cowboys’ defense, once a formidable force, has been plagued by injuries, and their 0-4 home record is a testament to their struggles this season. Can they turn things around against the Texans?
Texans vs Cowboys Prediction
With the Texans favored to win, the question is whether they can cover the spread. Their offense, led by a healthy C.J. Stroud, has the potential to exploit the Cowboys’ weakened defense. On the other hand, the Cowboys will need to find a spark, both offensively and defensively, to challenge the Texans. Our prediction? Texans 28, Cowboys 7. This game could be the perfect opportunity for the Texans to bounce back and solidify their position in the AFC South.
NFL Betting Trends
For those looking to delve deeper into the numbers, here are some betting trends to consider. The Texans are 5-9 ATS as a favorite and 4-10 ATS when playing against a team with a losing record. They also have a strong tendency to hit the UNDER, with a 28-16 record in all games. The Cowboys, meanwhile, are 8-1 ATS in games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points. They also have a 10-3 ATS record after playing a division game.
Key Injuries
Injuries have been a major factor for both teams this season. The Texans are dealing with several key players on the injury list, including Laremy Tunsil (knee) and C.J. Stroud (hand). The Cowboys are also not faring much better, with Dak Prescott (hamstring) and Micah Parsons (ankle) among those sidelined. These injuries could play a significant role in determining the outcome of the game.
Notable Quotes
After their recent loss, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans stated, “We didn’t make the plays to win the game … to win games guys have to step up and make plays and that’s not happening.” On the Cowboys’ side, Micah Parsons reflected on the challenges of the season, saying, “Understand that you know our quarterback’s out. Things ain’t always going to be how you expect it. And it kind of just got to be the light.”
Starting Lineups and Statistical Leaders
For the Texans, key players to watch include C.J. Stroud, who has thrown for 2,371 passing yards, and Joe Mixon, leading the rushing attack with 655 yards. Nico Collins has been a standout receiver with 567 yards. The Cowboys will rely on Cooper Rush at QB, with Rico Dowdle and CeeDee Lamb leading the rushing and receiving departments, respectively.
As the countdown to game time continues, fans and bettors alike will be eagerly anticipating this Texas showdown. Will the Texans continue their march towards the playoffs, or can the Cowboys pull off an upset? Only time will tell.
