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Broncos, Buoyed by Tight Wins, Clash With Up-and-Down Cowboys
The Denver Broncos are thriving on chaos — and winning because of it. Four straight nail-biters, capped by a 33-32 comeback over the Giants, have turned a once-uncertain start into a surge of confidence. This week, they’ll try to extend their streak when they host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High.
Denver enters Week 8 at 5-2 and unbeaten at home. Dallas sits at 3-3-1, fresh off a 44-22 rout of Washington that showcased its offensive balance but underscored a pattern of inconsistency. Both teams have momentum — one trying to sustain it, the other desperate to stabilize.
The game kicks off Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 4:25 PM ET on CBS. Check the latest NFL lines and live movement on the ScoresAndStats NFL Odds page.
Denver Broncos: Hungry and Unrelenting
Denver’s comeback against the Giants was almost absurd — all 33 points came in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Bo Nix led the surge with 279 yards and two touchdowns, spreading the ball to Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr. while J.K. Dobbins churned out 81 yards on the ground.
Sutton said the locker room’s mindset hasn’t shifted despite the wins. “You don’t want to be that lion that eats and goes to nap,” he said. “You stay hunting.”
That hunger has translated to performance. The Broncos rank among the league’s top 10 in scoring and continue to dominate at home, where they’ve won seven straight dating back to last season. Defensively, they’ve been among the NFL’s best in closing games — ranking near the top in sacks and red-zone stops.
Jonah Elliss could return from a shoulder injury, giving Denver a boost on the edge. His presence would reinforce a unit already thriving at home, where altitude and crowd noise routinely disrupt visiting offenses.
For full team metrics and matchup splits, visit the NFL Teams section.
Dallas Cowboys: Searching for Consistency
The Cowboys have alternated wins and losses for three weeks, and they’ll need to buck that trend to climb above .500. Their offense has been potent, ranking second in the NFL in passing yards. Dak Prescott continues to play at a near-MVP pace with 1,881 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just three interceptions.
Prescott’s chemistry with George Pickens (607 yards, six TDs) has been electric, while tight end Jake Ferguson’s 51 catches and six scores have made him a red-zone constant. Running back Javonte Williams — returning to Denver after four years with the Broncos — adds an emotional subplot. He leads Dallas with 592 rushing yards and six touchdowns in a comeback season.
“It was a good atmosphere there,” Williams said of his Denver days. “I loved it, but I’m on a different level mentally now. It’s all about having a plan.”
Defensively, Dallas has been hit-or-miss. They’re top three in sacks but have given up 30 or more points in three of their last five games. Injuries continue to complicate things — cornerback Trevon Diggs remains in concussion protocol, and safety Donovan Wilson is sidelined with shoulder and elbow issues.
More player performance data and projections are available in the NFL Picks hub.
Injury Reports
Dallas Cowboys
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Trevon Diggs (CB) | Questionable | Concussion |
| Malik Hooker (S) | Out | Toe |
| Miles Sanders (RB) | Out | Knee/Ankle |
| Juanyeh Thomas (S) | Questionable | Migraine |
| DeMarvion Overshown (LB) | Questionable | Knee |
| Payton Turner (DE) | Out | Ribs |
| Cooper Beebe (C) | Out | Ankle |
Denver Broncos
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Jonah Elliss (OLB) | Questionable | Shoulder |
| Ben Powers (G) | Out | Biceps |
| Dre Greenlaw (LB) | Out | Suspension |
| Matt Peart (OT) | Out | Knee |
| Garret Wallow (LB) | Out | Hamstring |
| Lucas Krull (TE) | Out | Foot |
Updated injury lists are available on the ScoresAndStats NFL Injury Report.
Betting Insights and Trends
Both teams have clear betting patterns that reflect their identities. Denver’s been nearly automatic at home, while Dallas performs best as a road underdog.
- Dallas is 3-0 ATS as an underdog this season.
- Dallas has hit the Over in four straight games.
- Denver is 7-0 straight up in its last seven home games.
- Denver is 9-1 straight up as a favorite in its last 10 games.
- The Broncos are 4-0 straight up in their last four overall.
These trends suggest value on Dallas against the spread but reinforce Denver’s advantage in Mile High conditions. For betting models and expert analysis, check the NFL Expert Betting Guide.
Matchup Breakdown
This matchup pits Dallas’ explosive offense against Denver’s pressure-heavy defense. Prescott will have to adjust quickly to altitude and crowd noise while avoiding Denver’s blitz looks. If he connects early with Pickens and Ferguson, the Cowboys can keep pace.
For the Broncos, Bo Nix’s development remains central. His composure in tight games has defined Denver’s streak, and against Dallas’ pass rush, quick decision-making will be critical. Expect heavy use of play action and short throws to neutralize Micah Parsons’ pressure.
Both teams rank top-10 in time of possession and conversion rate inside the 20, setting up a tactical chess match.
Prediction
Denver has the momentum, the crowd, and a defense that finishes games. Dallas’ offense will test them, but inconsistency and road struggles tilt the edge toward the Broncos.
Projected Final Score: Denver Broncos 27, Dallas Cowboys 23
Best Bets: Cowboys +3.5 | Under 50.5
For live odds, injury updates, and verified picks for all Week 8 games, visit the ScoresAndStats NFL Hub.


