Game Plan
When the Broncos run
C.J. Anderson and Jamaal Charles combined for 121 yards on 30 carries in the victory over the Chargers. Anderson’s 20 carries matched his most in a game in two seasons. The Cowboys had the top rushing defense in the NFL last season and allowed only 35 yards on 12 carries in their victory over the Giants last week. Edge: Cowboys
When the Cowboys run
After allowing a 21-yard rush on an old-fashioned trap play to start Monday’s game against the Chargers, the Broncos settled in and largely shut down Melvin Gordon. Ezekiel Elliott (104 yards rushing vs. Giants) and the ballyhooed Dallas offensive line present a stiffer challenge. Edge: Cowboys
Special teams
Isaiah Mckenzie’s 31-yard punt return vs. the Chargers was the longest in a regular-season game for the Broncos since 2015. Cody Latimer had a 36-yard kickoff return and made a huge stop on punt coverage. Dan Bailey made all four of his field-goal attempts against the Giants. Edge: Broncos
When the Broncos pass
Trevor Siemian spread his 17 completions to seven different receivers against the Chargers, and the 98 yards receiving on five catches by tight ends represented a welcomed new dimension in the passing game. The Cowboys were prone to giving up big plays in the passing game last season. Edge: Broncos
When the Cowboys pass
Dak Prescott excels at taking what’s available in the passing game. He’s thrown only four interceptions in 498 career pass attempts. Their victory over the Chargers marked the sixth time in the past seven regular-season games the Broncos have surrendered fewer than 200 yards passing. Edge: Broncos