The 3-1 Cowboys are hosting the 3-1 Texans for their fourth ever matchup. The series record belongs to the Cowboys, as they lead 2-1. Both teams have yet to play a division game, and both are looking to stay at pace atop the NFC East (keeping up with the Eagles) and AFC South.

Four games into the season, the Cowboys’ schedule has amplified to another level, and it starts Sunday at noon. Not because the Texans are outstanding on all fronts by any means; but because for the following two weekends – Seahawks, Giants – the Cowboys could potentially face clubs with momentum.

Here are five things worth following into Sunday’s 3-1 showdown.

1. The faceoff of the monthly MVP’s. DeMarco Murray earned his first career player of the month award, representing the NFC for September. Rightfully so; Murray leads the league with 534 rushing yards on the season, 250 of those blasted in the first half of four games.

And who took the defense award for the AFC? The monster that will be staring Murray down Sunday. J.J. Watt, who has 15 tackles, four of those for loss, two sacks, a pick 6 and yes, a touchdown. The Texans pride themselves on not containing Watt. He moves around to create confusion, both coming off the outside and shooting the gaps in the middle. Bill Callahan has worked all week on adjusting to these different looks. But all I’m hoping for is another Landry shift at the end of the game.

2. Romo’s Wednesday ritual apparently paying off. He’s in the weight room, consistently missing from practice on Wednesdays with strength coach Mike Woicik, getting after his core workouts. He’s proving that it’s working for him. Last Sunday against the Saints, Romo rolled completing nine of his first nine throws, signing off on a night with a .759 completion rating. Romo now has 32 consecutive games with touchdown throws; the longest, by far, in franchise history. (Next behind him in that was Troy Aikman, throwing 16 consecutive from 1993-94). Did you know Tony Romo’s first career NFL touchdown pass was against the Texans in 2006? DallasCowboys.com’s Nick Eatman gives you a rundown + video of his debut, here.

3. Watch the wideouts. It’s easy to let your eyes be mesmerized by DeMarco Murray running downhill, railing through gaps and finding himself at the second and third level on the majority of run plays. It’s easy to watch Zack Martin and wonder how fast he’s adapted as a rookie. Heck, you might be starting at Tyron Smith all game, watching him throw – yes, throw – opposing DE’s to the ground. But if you haven’t already, it’s time to note how well Derek Dooley’s receivers and Mike Pope’s tight ends are holding blocks and paving paths. Jason Witten, especially, embracing his role as ‘the most complete tight end in the league’, according to Jason Garrett. This week, Garrett said he’s had ‘a ton of stories about he and Witten get in confrontations’ because Witten wants to line up and challenge nose tackles and opposing mike linebackers. Witten truly embraces his role, with only 15 catches to his name this season. The success of the team rides on the selflessness of the team. How many claimed that Dez Bryant would have a career year this season? Many. How much limelight has Bryant seen through four games? Not much. Props to both Dooley and Pope’s crews taking on the roles of blocking and contributing to the run game for the success of the team.

4. The real matchup isn’t 1 on 1. Someone’s fourth win on Sunday will be because of the Cowboys offensive line vs. the Texans defensive line. Despite the fact the Travis Frederick said, “We’re not playing the Houston J.J. Watts,”, that’s the focal point of their fire. The Texans have forced seven fumbles this season, topping the NFL. The Cowboys have the league’s leading rusher going for his 5th straight 100+ yard rushing game. Not much more needs to be said.

5. Marinelli’s defense is bending, not breaking. I apologize if you are tired of this saying, but it rings so true. His tools are talented, but at times, not all 100%. Rod Marinelli has cross-trained his backers so that there’s no downfall from week to week. As a coordinator, Marinelli hones in on a players different position strengths (emphasis on plural), decides themultiple positions he can play, and STILL gets him to play with nastiness, physicality and intensity. It’s mighty impressive. Marinelli is one of the most pleasant conversations I have in the hallway, but most merciless coaches on the field. He doesn’t accept anything but the utmost intensity. He recently moved Tyrone Crawford inside to tackle, and Crawford didn’t look lost. He makes position adjustments, but eliminates the downslide. The defense may allow a 40-yard pass here, a 20-yard run there, a 60-yard drive there, but holds the opposing team to a field goal. That’s bending, but not breaking. Expect his best this week, in attempts to hold first year coach Bill O’brien from getting Houston off to it’s franchise best start at 4-1.

** BONUS ** If you’re coming to the game Monday and want to match the players, wear pink. The Texans/Cowboys matchup is the official game dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness. If you want to chime in on social media, use the hashtag #Cowboys4Komen.