Monday Night Football heads to Texas as the Dallas Cowboys (3-6) take on the Houston Texans (6-4) in a key playoff battle. The game kicks off at 8:15 PM ET on November 18 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Both teams are fighting to keep their postseason hopes alive, making this matchup a must-watch.
Broadcast Coverage Goes Big
Football fans won’t miss this Texas showdown. ABC will air it nationwide, with ESPN and ESPN2 providing extra coverage. Cord-cutters can stream it too. FuboTV and DirecTV Stream offer free trials, while Sling TV has a $20 first-month deal.
Cowboys Face Mounting Pressure
The pressure is on for Dallas. The Cowboys sit at 3-6 and are winless at home this season (0-4). Their recent 34-6 loss to Philadelphia raised concerns about their struggling offense.
Quarterback Dak Prescott is dealing with a hamstring injury but is expected to play. Backup Cooper Rush is ready if needed. The offense hit a low point last week, averaging under 2 yards per pass attempt. Dallas is desperate for a turnaround.
Defense Needs Answers
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Dallas has struggled on defense all season, especially against the run. They rank near the bottom of the league, giving up 4.7 yards per carry.
There is hope, though. Linebacker Micah Parsons is back from an ankle injury and recently recorded two sacks against Philadelphia.
“We have to step up, especially on defense. We can’t let teams run all over us,” Parsons said after practice.
Key Players to Watch
- Rico Dowdle leads the Cowboys’ ground game with 374 rushing yards
- CeeDee Lamb remains the top receiving threat
- Micah Parsons anchors the defensive effort
- Cooper Rush prepares for possible extended playing time
- Trey Lance could see action as Dallas adjusts its quarterback strategy
Texans Aim to Build Momentum
Houston enters at 6-4 with solid momentum, despite recent challenges. The return of star receiver Nico Collins could give their passing game a big boost.
“We have to bounce back and finish strong. Every game is a new chance,” said Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, highlighting the team’s focus.
How to Watch
United States:
- TV: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2
- Streaming: FuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (5-day trial), Sling TV ($20 off first month)
International Coverage:
- UK: Channel 5 and My5 (free with registration)
- Australia: ESPN via Foxtel or Kayo Sports (7-day trial available)
Historical Context
This is the seventh meeting between these Texas rivals, with Dallas leading the series 4-2. Each game has added to the fierce in-state rivalry as both teams fight for football dominance in Texas.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy knows what’s at stake. “We need to focus on execution and discipline. The Texans are talented, and we can’t afford mistakes,” he said.
For Dallas, this game is about more than a win. It’s a chance to salvage their season and boost home crowd confidence. For Houston, it’s an opportunity to solidify their playoff spot and show they’re the top team in Texas.