HOUSTON — One reason the Houston Texans are 3-1 entering Sunday’s game at the Dallas Cowboys is their ability to force turnovers.

Of the nine turnovers the Texans have forced, five have been in the red zone. Those red-zone turnovers prevented touchdowns or field goals.

“They’re very important,” said strong safety D.J. Swearinger, who’s been involved in three red-zone turnovers. “If you want to win, you’ve got to force turnovers.

“The key is staying focused on your task, going for the ball and when you have a chance to get it, take it.”

Last season when they finished with a league-worst 2-14 record, the Texans forced 11 turnovers, fewest in the NFL since 1970.

“I think everybody can agree that football’s a major momentum sport,” said inside linebacker Brian Cushing, the team’s leading tackler. “Turnovers can really help you change the momentum.”

Nowhere was that more evident than in the Texans’ 23-17 victory over Buffalo. The Bills led 10-7 in the third quarter. They had the ball at the Houston 19 after an interception.

Quarterback EJ Manuel tried to throw a screen pass to his right to running back Fred Jackson, but defensive end J.J. Watt intercepted the pass and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown and a lead the Texans didn’t relinquish.

“That was a huge turning point in the game,” Cushing said. “It took the momentum back. It really got us going. When you can get some of it back like that and turn the situation around like that, it was huge to start the second half.

“I’m not really big into stats or anything, but the most important one is turnover ratio and getting the ball back for our offense. We’ve done a good job of that. We need to continue to do that every week. Anytime we take the ball away and give it to our offense to score, it’s huge for our team.”

The Texans didn’t secure the victory until cornerback Darryl Morris intercepted a Manuel pass at the Texans’ 15 with 1:07 left in the game.

“Hey, we understand how important they are,” Cushing said. “It’s something the coaches stress, and we work on it every day in practice, and so far, it’s paying off.”

REPORT CARD VS. BILLS

PASSING OFFENSE: B – Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was under a lot of pressure from Buffalo’s defensive line. The pass protection was mediocre at best, but he finished 25-for-37 for 268 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown to DeAndre Hopkins. One of his two interceptions was on a deep ball to Hopkins. Cornerback Leodis McKelvin made a magnificent leaping catch. The other interception came on a pass tipped at the line of scrimmage. The Bills failed to turn either into points.

RUSHING OFFENSE: F-minus – The run blockers were manhandled by the Bills’ front seven. The Texans generated only 37 yards rushing and a 1.5-yard average per carry. Running back Arian Foster returned from his hamstring injury and finished with six yards on eight carries. Rookie Alfred Blue added nine yards on nine carries. Fitzpatrick was the leading rusher with 14 yards on six carries. The Bills filled the gaps, blitzed the run and tackled effectively. They just dominated the Texans up front.

PASS DEFENSE: B – Other than allowing an 80-yard touchdown pass from EJ Manuel to Mike Williams on a broken play, the pass defense was good. J.J. Watt returned an interception 80 yards for a touchdown. Cornerback Darryl Morris intercepted a Manuel pass to secure the victory. The Texans limited Sammy Watkins to four catches for 30 yards.

RUSH DEFENSE: B – After getting shellacked by the Giants last week, the Texans kept in a linebacker and added 350-pound veteran nose tackle Ryan Pickett, and they allowed 96 yards. Subtract a 22-yard run by C.J. Spiller and they surrendered 74 yards on 22 carries. Spiller and Fred Jackson combined for 22 carries and 93 yards.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A-minus – Randy Bullock kicked field goals of 41, 55 and 50 yards. Despite a hip flexor to his non-kicking leg, Shane Lechler punted six times for a 41.7 gross and a 36.5 net, including three inside the 20. Coverage was superb. Returns were effective.

COACHING: B – When the Texans couldn’t run, they used Arian Foster as a receiver, and he led the team with seven catches. Coach Bill O’Brien, who calls the plays, was careful what he asked quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to do. Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel changed his strategy on run defense, and the Texans allowed 96 yards after surrendering 193 the previous week against the Giants.