Dallas Cowboys
Houston Texans
Kickoff: 1:00 PM
NRG Stadium, Houston
Match Facts
- League
- National Football League
- Week
- Week 4
- Date
- 10/04/2026
- Venue
- NRG Stadium
The Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans meet for the first time on October 4 at NRG Stadium, a Week 4 regular-season game that brings together the NFC East and AFC South. Dallas enters having gone 7-9-1 last season, while Houston’s 12-5 record made them a serious force in their division. It’s a fresh chapter for both franchises, and the stage is set.
Dallas gave up 511 points last season, while Houston allowed just 295, a defensive gap that makes this first meeting a study in contrasts.
Season form
Dallas ground out a 7-9-1 record last season, with a last-five run of L-W-L-L-L. Houston’s 12-5 mark included a last-five stretch of L-W-W-W-W. The Cowboys closed with a 17-34 loss to the New York Giants, while the Texans’ most recent outing was a 16-28 loss to New England.
Offense vs defense
Dallas scored 471 points and allowed 511, with 4,527 passing yards and 2,136 rushing yards on offense. Houston put up 404 points and allowed just 295, adding 4,144 passing yards and 2,064 rushing yards. The contrast is sharpest on defense, where the Texans surrendered 2,755 passing yards and 1,434 rushing yards, compared to Dallas’ 3,479 and 1,804.
Head-to-head history
These two Texas franchises have never met on the NFL stage. There are no prior meetings on record, so this Week 4 clash at NRG Stadium marks a first. It’s a fresh rivalry born of two teams sharing a state, and the book is open.
Pressure and turnovers
Houston’s defense generated 56 sacks and 21 interceptions last season, while Dallas posted 35 sacks and 6 picks. The Cowboys committed 21 turnovers, one more than the Texans’ 20. Houston also recovered 20 fumbles to Dallas’ 16, giving the visitors extra chances to hold onto the ball.
When and where do the Cowboys and Texans play?
The two teams meet on October 4 at NRG Stadium in Houston, as part of the NFL’s Week 4 slate.
What were the teams’ records last season?
Dallas finished 7-9-1, while Houston went 12-5.
Have these teams ever played each other before?
No, there are no prior meetings on record; this will be their first matchup.
How did the defenses compare?
Houston allowed 295 points, while Dallas gave up 511. The Texans also recorded 56 sacks and 21 interceptions to Dallas’ 35 sacks and 6 interceptions.
Which divisions do they represent?
Dallas plays in the NFC East, and Houston in the AFC South.
Next Match
Week 4 · NRG Stadium · Dallas Cowboys vs Houston Texans
Regular Season NFL match-ups by week 272 games ▾
▼ Week 1 16 games
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Thu, Sep 10 |
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Sun, Sep 13 |
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Sun, Sep 13 |
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Sun, Sep 13 |
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Sun, Sep 13 |
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Sun, Sep 13 |
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Sun, Sep 13 |
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Sun, Sep 13 |
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Sun, Sep 13 |
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Sun, Sep 13 |
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Sun, Sep 13 |
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Sun, Sep 13 |
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Sun, Sep 13 |
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Sun, Sep 13 |
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Mon, Sep 14 |
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Date TBD |
▼ Week 2 16 games
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Thu, Sep 17 |
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Sun, Sep 20 |
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Sun, Sep 20 |
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Sun, Sep 20 |
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Sun, Sep 20 |
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Sun, Sep 20 |
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Sun, Sep 20 |
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Sun, Sep 20 |
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Sun, Sep 20 |
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Sun, Sep 20 |
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Sun, Sep 20 |
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Sun, Sep 20 |
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Sun, Sep 20 |
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Sun, Sep 20 |
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Sun, Sep 20 |
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Mon, Sep 21 |
▼ Week 3 16 games
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Thu, Sep 24 |
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Sun, Sep 27 |
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Sun, Sep 27 |
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Sun, Sep 27 |
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Sun, Sep 27 |
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Sun, Sep 27 |
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Sun, Sep 27 |
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Sun, Sep 27 |
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Sun, Sep 27 |
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Sun, Sep 27 |
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Sun, Sep 27 |
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Sun, Sep 27 |
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Sun, Sep 27 |
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Sun, Sep 27 |
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Sun, Sep 27 |
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Mon, Sep 28 |
▼ Week 4 16 games
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Thu, Oct 1 |
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Sun, Oct 4 |
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Sun, Oct 4 |
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Sun, Oct 4 |
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Sun, Oct 4 |
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Sun, Oct 4 |
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Sun, Oct 4 |
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Sun, Oct 4 |
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Sun, Oct 4 |
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Sun, Oct 4 |
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Sun, Oct 4 |
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Sun, Oct 4 |
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Sun, Oct 4 |
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Sun, Oct 4 |
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Sun, Oct 4 |
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Mon, Oct 5 |
▼ Week 5 15 games
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Thu, Oct 8 |
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Sun, Oct 11 |
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Sun, Oct 11 |
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Sun, Oct 11 |
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Sun, Oct 11 |
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Sun, Oct 11 |
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Sun, Oct 11 |
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Sun, Oct 11 |
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Sun, Oct 11 |
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Sun, Oct 11 |
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Sun, Oct 11 |
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Sun, Oct 11 |
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Sun, Oct 11 |
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Sun, Oct 11 |
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Mon, Oct 12 |
▼ Week 6 14 games
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Thu, Oct 15 |
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Sun, Oct 18 |
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Sun, Oct 18 |
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Sun, Oct 18 |
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Sun, Oct 18 |
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Sun, Oct 18 |
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Sun, Oct 18 |
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Sun, Oct 18 |
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Sun, Oct 18 |
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Sun, Oct 18 |
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Sun, Oct 18 |
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Sun, Oct 18 |
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Sun, Oct 18 |
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Mon, Oct 19 |
▼ Week 7 14 games
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Thu, Oct 22 |
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Sun, Oct 25 |
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Sun, Oct 25 |
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Sun, Oct 25 |
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Sun, Oct 25 |
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Sun, Oct 25 |
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Sun, Oct 25 |
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Sun, Oct 25 |
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Sun, Oct 25 |
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Sun, Oct 25 |
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Sun, Oct 25 |
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Sun, Oct 25 |
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Sun, Oct 25 |
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Mon, Oct 26 |
▼ Week 8 14 games
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Thu, Oct 29 |
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Sun, Nov 1 |
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Sun, Nov 1 |
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Sun, Nov 1 |
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Sun, Nov 1 |
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Sun, Nov 1 |
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Sun, Nov 1 |
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Sun, Nov 1 |
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Sun, Nov 1 |
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Sun, Nov 1 |
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Sun, Nov 1 |
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Sun, Nov 1 |
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Sun, Nov 1 |
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Mon, Nov 2 |
▼ Week 9 15 games
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Thu, Nov 5 |
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Sun, Nov 8 |
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Sun, Nov 8 |
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Sun, Nov 8 |
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Sun, Nov 8 |
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Sun, Nov 8 |
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Sun, Nov 8 |
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Sun, Nov 8 |
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Sun, Nov 8 |
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Sun, Nov 8 |
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Sun, Nov 8 |
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Sun, Nov 8 |
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Sun, Nov 8 |
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Sun, Nov 8 |
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Mon, Nov 9 |
▼ Week 10 14 games
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Thu, Nov 12 |
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Sun, Nov 15 |
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Sun, Nov 15 |
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Sun, Nov 15 |
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Sun, Nov 15 |
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Sun, Nov 15 |
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Sun, Nov 15 |
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Sun, Nov 15 |
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Sun, Nov 15 |
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Sun, Nov 15 |
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Sun, Nov 15 |
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Sun, Nov 15 |
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Sun, Nov 15 |
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Mon, Nov 16 |
▼ Week 11 13 games
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Thu, Nov 19 |
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Sun, Nov 22 |
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Sun, Nov 22 |
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Sun, Nov 22 |
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Sun, Nov 22 |
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Sun, Nov 22 |
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Sun, Nov 22 |
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Sun, Nov 22 |
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Sun, Nov 22 |
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Sun, Nov 22 |
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Sun, Nov 22 |
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Sun, Nov 22 |
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Mon, Nov 23 |
▼ Week 12 16 games
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Wed, Nov 25 |
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Thu, Nov 26 |
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Thu, Nov 26 |
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Thu, Nov 26 |
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Fri, Nov 27 |
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Sun, Nov 29 |
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Sun, Nov 29 |
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Sun, Nov 29 |
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Sun, Nov 29 |
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Sun, Nov 29 |
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Sun, Nov 29 |
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Sun, Nov 29 |
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Sun, Nov 29 |
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Sun, Nov 29 |
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Sun, Nov 29 |
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Mon, Nov 30 |
▼ Week 13 14 games
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Thu, Dec 3 |
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Sun, Dec 6 |
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Sun, Dec 6 |
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Sun, Dec 6 |
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Sun, Dec 6 |
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Sun, Dec 6 |
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Sun, Dec 6 |
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Sun, Dec 6 |
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Sun, Dec 6 |
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Sun, Dec 6 |
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Sun, Dec 6 |
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Sun, Dec 6 |
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Sun, Dec 6 |
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Mon, Dec 7 |
▼ Week 14 15 games
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Thu, Dec 10 |
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Sun, Dec 13 |
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Sun, Dec 13 |
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Sun, Dec 13 |
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Sun, Dec 13 |
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Sun, Dec 13 |
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Sun, Dec 13 |
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Sun, Dec 13 |
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Sun, Dec 13 |
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Sun, Dec 13 |
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Sun, Dec 13 |
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Sun, Dec 13 |
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Sun, Dec 13 |
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Sun, Dec 13 |
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Mon, Dec 14 |
▼ Week 15 16 games
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Thu, Dec 17 |
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Sat, Dec 19 |
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Sat, Dec 19 |
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Sun, Dec 20 |
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Sun, Dec 20 |
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Sun, Dec 20 |
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Sun, Dec 20 |
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Sun, Dec 20 |
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Sun, Dec 20 |
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Sun, Dec 20 |
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Sun, Dec 20 |
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Sun, Dec 20 |
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Sun, Dec 20 |
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Sun, Dec 20 |
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Sun, Dec 20 |
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Mon, Dec 21 |
▼ Week 16 16 games
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Thu, Dec 24 |
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Fri, Dec 25 |
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Fri, Dec 25 |
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Fri, Dec 25 |
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Sat, Dec 26 |
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Sun, Dec 27 |
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Sun, Dec 27 |
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Sun, Dec 27 |
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Sun, Dec 27 |
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Sun, Dec 27 |
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Sun, Dec 27 |
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Sun, Dec 27 |
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Mon, Dec 28 |
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Date TBD |
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Date TBD |
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Date TBD |
▼ Week 17 16 games
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Thu, Dec 31 |
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Sat, Jan 2 |
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Sun, Jan 3 |
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Sun, Jan 3 |
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Sun, Jan 3 |
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Sun, Jan 3 |
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Sun, Jan 3 |
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Sun, Jan 3 |
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Sun, Jan 3 |
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Sun, Jan 3 |
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Sun, Jan 3 |
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Sun, Jan 3 |
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Sun, Jan 3 |
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Mon, Jan 4 |
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Date TBD |
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Date TBD |
▼ Week 18 16 games
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Sun, Jan 10 |
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Date TBD |
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Date TBD |
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Date TBD |
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Date TBD |
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Date TBD |
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Date TBD |
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Date TBD |
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Date TBD |
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Date TBD |
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Date TBD |
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Date TBD |
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Date TBD |
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Date TBD |
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Date TBD |
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Date TBD |