In a closely contested matchup, the Dallas Cowboys narrowly defeated the Houston Texans 18-16 in Week 4 of the 2026 season. The win keeps the Cowboys in the hunt for a strong playoff position as they continue to build momentum in the early stages of the season. Justin Herbert led the Texans' offense, throwing for 229 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his ability to move the ball effectively despite the loss. Meanwhile, the Cowboys relied on Omarion Hampton's ground game, as he churned out 71 rushing yards, providing crucial support to the Dallas offense. Zavion Thomas also had a standout performance for the Texans, racking up 90 receiving yards as he became Herbert's primary target. Defensively, the Cowboys made key plays to secure the victory, highlighted by Jonathan Greenard's eight tackles and Vita Vea's dominant presence with 1.5 sacks. The turning point came late in the fourth quarter when Vea's pressure forced a crucial incompletion, stalling a potential game-winning drive for the Texans. Dallas's defense stood tall when it mattered most, helping the team hold off Houston's late-game surge.