Houston pull away in AFC, Dallas falters
Houston Texans (5–1): AFC South Leaders Surge Ahead
The Houston Texans are starting to pull away in the AFC South. Their impressive 5–1 start was further solidified with a smooth 31–17 win over the struggling New England Patriots (1–5). The Texans controlled the game from start to finish, making it clear that they are the team to beat in their division.
Key Storyline: The debut of Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye added intrigue. Despite a rocky start with an early interception, Maye rebounded to throw for 243 yards on 20-of-33 passing, with three touchdowns and two interceptions. His performance showed promise, but with the Patriots set to play the Jaguars in London next week, the road to improvement remains long.
Who’s stock is up?
Veteran RB Joe Mixon made his presence felt after missing the last three games with an ankle injury. Mixon gashed the Patriots for 102 yards on 13 carries, including a 59-yard burst—more than the entire New England offense managed on the ground all day. Mixon’s return adds another layer to the Texans’ offense, giving them much-needed balance.
Detroit Lions 47, Dallas Cowboys 9: A Blowout at Home Sparks Crisis

The Cowboys (3–3) suffered a humiliating 47–9 loss at home to the Lions (4–1), exposing deep flaws in their game plan and execution. This was Dallas’ third blowout home loss of the season, raising serious concerns about the team’s trajectory. Detroit, meanwhile, looks like a top contender in the NFC, joining the 49ers as the cream of the crop in the conference.
Key Takeaways:
- The Lions are for real. Detroit’s dominance on both sides of the ball showed they’re ready to challenge for NFC supremacy.
- The Cowboys need change. After another disappointing performance, it’s becoming clear that major offseason adjustments might be needed in Dallas. Many questioned whether head coach Mike McCarthy should have returned this season. With no improvements, and a roster worse than last year, the criticism is louder than ever.
Injury Blow:
Detroit’s win came at a cost, as DE Aidan Hutchinson—who entered the game as the league leader with 6.5 sacks—suffered an injury. His absence could create significant challenges for Detroit’s defense going forward.
Who’s Stock is Up:
Lions OC Ben Johnson was brilliant, calling plays that left the Cowboys’ defense looking helpless. Detroit put up 27 points and 262 yards by halftime, averaging 7.3 yards per play. Dallas had no answer for either the run or pass, surrendering 14 first downs on just 36 first-half plays. Johnson’s masterclass further elevates his status as a rising star among offensive minds.
Who’s Stock is Down:
The Cowboys as a national draw. With their season unraveling, Dallas is becoming difficult to watch. Their offense, led by Dak Prescott, is plagued by red-zone mistakes, and the defense has been inconsistent and injury-riddled. McCarthy’s unimaginative play-calling only adds to the frustration. The Cowboys’ 3–3 record includes wins over weak teams like the Browns, Steelers, and Giants—none of which boast a functional offense. Dallas’ Sunday night victory over Pittsburgh was widely panned as one of the dullest primetime games in recent memory.
What’s Next?
- Lions: Travel to face the Vikings, 1 p.m. ET on Oct. 20
- Cowboys: Bye week to regroup (or spiral further?)
With Week 6 in the books, the Texans are riding high atop the AFC South, while the Cowboys are scrambling to salvage their season. Will Houston keep up their momentum? Can Dallas make meaningful changes over the bye week? Time will tell.