HOUSTON — The Houston Texans’ winning record is in jeopardy because their schedule gets much tougher in their next three games.

After visiting Dallas on Sunday, they return home for a Thursday night game against Indianapolis, their first confrontation against an AFC South opponent.

Then, the Texans travel to Pittsburgh for a Monday night game. That three-game stretch should tell the Texans much more about how good they are than their 3-1 record.

The Texans are four-point underdogs against the Cowboys. If they have a prayer of pulling an upset in their first game at AT&T Stadium, they’ll need another extraordinary performance from defensive end J.J. Watt.

In the 23-17 victory over Buffalo that kept them on top of the AFC South, Watt scored on an 80-yard interception return and registered nine hits on quarterback EJ Manuel.

The only team to have as many as nine hits on the quarterback during the weekend was Buffalo, which also drilled Ryan Fitzpatrick nine times.

In four games, Watt has 16 hits on the quarterback, which is more than 13 teams. He’s on a pace for 64.

Since 2000, Watt is the only player with as many as 40 quarterback hits in a season. He led the league with 43 in 2012 and 46 in 2013.

Because Watt moves from side to side from end in a three-man front to end and tackle in a four-man front, just about every Dallas offensive lineman is going to get a shot at him.

Watt, who also has a touchdown reception this season, was impressed with the Cowboys’ domination of New Orleans.

“Their offense was really clicking,” he said. “(Running back) DeMarco Murray ran the ball very well. Tony Romo can throw the ball to Dez Bryant, Jason Witten or whoever he wants.

“Their offensive line, obviously, blocked well for Murray to run so well, and it’s a great challenge. That’s what you look forward to. You look forward to games like this. You want to go up there on the road and look to accept that challenge.”

Watt knows how much beating the Cowboys means to Texans fans in Houston who are tired of Dallas fans having bragging rights.

“Whether you’re from Texas or not, you can feel that, in this state, this is a big deal,” said Watt, a Wisconsin native. “Texas is a football state. Football’s king down here. It’s a big deal whether you want it to be or not.

“We’re really looking forward to that opportunity. Obviously, it comes with a lot of energy and excitement. You hope to be able to feed off that and use it to your advantage.”

NOTES: OLB Jadeveon Clowney said he’s starting to run after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery after the opening game. He said he expects to return “in a few weeks.” . … S Josh Aubrey was promoted from the practice squad to replace veteran Shiloh Keo, who was placed on waivers. …TE Garrett Graham signed a new contract in the offseason and replaced Owen Daniels in the starting lineup. After missing the opener because of an injury, he caught nine passes in the last three games. … NT Ryan Pickett, 34, signed last week and started against the Bills. At 340-plus pounds, he is supposed to help against the run but does need to get into better shape.