The Dallas Cowboys escaped Indianapolis with a 27-23 win over the Colts on November 8, 2026, thanks to a 1-yard touchdown run by Javonte Williams with 1:08 remaining and a late defensive stop.
The victory improved the Cowboys to 4-5. The team had overcome a 14-penalty, 153-yard mistake-filled game to outgain the Colts 508-271. CeeDee Lamb caught 10 passes for 195 yards, and Williams finished with 101 yards rushing on 20 carries.
The Cowboys entered the game with some surprising inactives, including George Pickens, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury.
CeeDee Lamb makes a diving catch He doesn't get touched Gets up and picks up several yards Fumbles while getting tackled Colts recover it after the play is reviewed FOOTBALL DALvsIND on FOX/FOX One Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/ApA5vJgMM4
Late-Game Heroics Seal the Win
After the Colts took a 23-20 lead on a 50-yard field goal with 1:37 remaining, the Cowboys needed just 29 seconds to answer. Dak Prescott connected with Ryan Flournoy on a 46-yard pass to set up the go-ahead score. The Colts’ late drive ended when rookie safety Caleb Downs intercepted Daniel Jones with 35 seconds left, sealing the victory.
I loved the heart,
Cowboys coach, Brian Schottenheimer said.
.@calebdowns WITH THE SACK 😤 📺: #DALvsIND on FOX 📲: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/XM2vIx7C1d pic.twitter.com/uUfKzfv84Q
Trailing by three points with 97 seconds remaining, Dallas needed less than 30 seconds to drive 65 yards and take the lead. Prescott went deep for Ryan Flournoy on first down, with the receiver making the catch despite Sauce Gardner grabbing his left arm to move the ball to the Colts’ 19-yard line.
Javonte Williams powered his way to the 11 before a penalty on defensive tackle Grover Stewart gave Dallas first-and-goal at the six. Williams scored from a yard out to put the Cowboys ahead 27-23 with 1:08 remaining.
headin' home with the W 🛫 Listen LIVE as our crew discuss our victory over the Colts on First Word presented by @drpepper. 📺: Up Next ➡️ #SFvsDAL 11/15 on FOXhttps://t.co/253xxAw0Ak
Downs had the best game of his rookie season, even prior to the interception, building upon what has quietly been one of the better campaigns of any NFL player in 2026. It helped to contribute to what wound up being the single most complete outing by the Cowboys defense this season.
It was a surreal feeling, honestly, to have it because I saw the play coming and I saw their setup and I was like, ‘Oh, it’s coming right here. I know it. I gotta house it. I gotta make the money.’ And then I was about to get up, they kept pushing me back on the ground. So I’m like, ‘Alright, well, it is what it is.’
Downs said.
FINAL: The @dallascowboys go on the road and pick up a win! pic.twitter.com/aHERLHpul1
Cowboys Commit 14 Penalties for 153 Yards
The win was far from clean. The Cowboys were penalized 14 times for 153 yards, their highest total since 2021. The errors included a penalty on DeMarvion Overshown, who was inactive due to injury and was in sweats and a stocking cap when he celebrated on the field of play.
The penalties started piling up on the Cowboys’ third possession. Tyler Smith was flagged for holding, and Guyton was later penalized for being illegally downfield. The Cowboys committed 14 penalties for 153 yards, and turned the ball over twice. This marks the first time since 2019 the Colts have seen their opponent commit 14 penalties or more in a game.
THE ROOKIE CALEB DOWNS CALLS GAME DALvsIND on FOX/FOX One Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/bSUeaFupXp
Lamb also fumbled the ball away after a potential touchdown catch in the second half. There, as he was tackled, the back of Lamb’s hand carrying the ball was first to hit the ground, dislodging the ball. The Colts recovered the fumble and capitalized on the short field with a Seth McGowan touchdown run to take a 7-3 lead.
The game was also marked by notable absences. The Cowboys were without several starters, including George Pickens (hamstring), Joey Porter Jr. (foot), and DeMarvion Overshown (back and hamstring), who were all inactive due to injury.
A Test of Character
Despite the miscues, the Cowboys showed resilience. The team had led 20-10 in the third quarter before allowing the Colts to score 13 straight points. Prescott, who threw for 335 yards and two touchdowns, acknowledged the team’s unsteady play but credited their resolve.
We got it done,
Prescott said.
Recap #DALvsIND on Cowboys OT presented by @Blockchain. 📺: Up Next ➡️ #SFvsDAL 11/15 on FOXhttps://t.co/8NYYgRTitE
Downs echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the need for the defense to play as if it’s the last stand.
We’ve got to play like it’s on us every play,
Downs said. We’ve got to play like our defense is the last stand. That there’s no offense. That it’s just us, and we’re playing separate games; and that’s what we have to do. And people can say whatever they want, but when we play well, we’re a good football team.
The Cowboys’ record now stands at 4-5, placing them in second within the NFC East, trailing the New York Giants, who hold a 5-2-1 mark. The Colts face their toughest test of the season next Sunday when Dallas hosts the 7-1 San Francisco 49ers.
The Cowboys haven’t been able to build on their previous success. They haven’t had consecutive wins in almost a year. Their toughest task awaits Sunday. It’s the opportunity to see what they’ll look like facing a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Javonte Williams’ late TD run helps Cowboys avoid another 4th-quarter collapse and beat Colts 27-23https://t.co/hbcAZzttA8
Prescott was asked how ready he thinks the Cowboys are for a matchup with San Francisco. His response was brief: We’ll see,
he said. We got to be ready. We’ve had these games up and down, and we understand that it’s a good opponent coming in, an NFC opponent, and we’ll get them at home. It’s on us now. Period.
The Colts, meanwhile, fell to 2-6 with their fifth straight loss. They will host the Miami Dolphins next Sunday.
