Broncos (4-4) at Cowboys (6-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas Tipico1 Sportsbook line:
Cowboys by 8 ⁄2
Broncos’ keys to victory: After a strong start to the season against the league’s lesser competition, reality has set in for the Denver defense. The Broncos will need to figure out a way to first corral Dallas’ powerful passing attack with early-down pressure on the quarterback. The Cowboys thrive on rarely seeing third downs, and EDGE Stephen Weatherly will have to impact the timing to give Denver’s talented secondary a chance. On offense, QB Teddy Bridgewater will have to look to push the ball downfield more and take advantage of Dallas’ man coverage.
Cowboys’ keys to victory: Dallas should be able to pressure Bridgewater and force dangerous throws by Denver, and the Cowboys have shown the ability to turn those into turnovers. Meanwhile, the Broncos haven’t been very adept at stopping either the run or the pass, which should mean Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will have his entire arsenal available to him. Fans should expect a strong dose of RBs Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard, whose different running styles confuse the timing of defenders.
Matchup to watch: Broncos WR Courtland Sutton vs. Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs. The fourth-year wideout has picked up where he left off before his 2020 injury. As Denver’s No. 1 receiver, he will be followed around in man coverage by the league’s interception leader. This is must-see TV.
Who wins? Dallas continues to get players back, and the talent and depth of the Cowboys roster shine through.
Cowboys 37, Broncos 23