HOUSTON — The 2026 NFL season is only three weeks old, but desperation already hangs heavy in the Texas air. On Sunday, October 4, the Dallas Cowboys (1-2) make the short trip south to Reliant Stadium to face the Houston Texans (0-3) in the annual Battle of Texas — a game that carries far more weight than a typical early-October matchup. Both teams are searching for an identity, and both received significant reinforcements just in time for kickoff.
Nico Collins Set to Spark Struggling Texans Offense
According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Texans' offense is expected to get a major boost with the return of star wide receiver Nico Collins, who has missed the past two weeks with a hamstring injury. Houston's passing attack has been stuck in neutral without its No. 1 target, managing just 14 points per game during his absence. Collins' ability to stretch the field and win contested catches should open up opportunities for the entire offense, including quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has been under duress all season. The Texans are still searching for their first win, and Collins' return couldn't come at a better time.
Joey Porter Jr. Makes Cowboys Debut After Trade
On the other side, the Cowboys will unveil their newest defensive weapon: cornerback Joey Porter Jr. The former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick was traded to Dallas last week and is expected to start immediately opposite Trevon Diggs. Porter's length and physicality at the line of scrimmage give defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer a versatile piece to match up against Collins and the Texans' talented receiving corps. Dallas has struggled to generate takeaways through three weeks, and Porter's ball skills could be the spark the defense needs.
"We're excited to get Joey in the building and on the field," Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said earlier this week. "He's a competitor, and he fits what we do defensively. This is a big game for us, and we need guys who can make plays."
Week 3 Heartbreak Still Fresh for Dallas
The Cowboys are coming off a gut-wrenching 27-24 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, sealed by Tyler Loop's 56-yard walk-off field goal. The defeat dropped Dallas to 1-2 and exposed late-game defensive issues that have plagued the team all season. A win in Houston would not only even their record but also restore confidence in a locker room that has been searching for consistency. For the Texans, an 0-4 start would be devastating, especially with a talented roster that many believed could compete for a playoff spot.
How to Watch Cowboys vs. Texans
- Start time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Reliant Stadium | Houston, Texas
- TV channel/live stream: Fox
- Live updates: Follow along with Vulius Sports for real-time highlights, stats, and analysis
As highlighted on Vulius, this Battle of Texas is more than just a regional rivalry — it's a potential turning point for two teams desperate to salvage their seasons. Will Nico Collins' return ignite the Texans' offense, or will Joey Porter Jr.'s debut solidify a Cowboys defense ready to turn the corner? Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on Fox, and Vulius will have you covered from every angle.
Looking to represent Trevon Diggs? Grab your Trevon Diggs jersey or design a personalized NFL Jersey at Vulius.
