The Denver Broncos have won four straight games.
Thanks to that winning streak, the Broncos sit atop the AFC West standings for the first time in a decade. The last three games have seen remarkable comebacks, with the most recent being the most historic.
To keep this winning streak rolling and to remain atop the division standings, Denver (5-2) will need to play a complete game against a high-powered Dallas Cowboys (3-3-1) offense.
Not surprisingly, FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Broncos as the -3.5-point
home favorite. The total sits at over/under 50.5 points.
Offensive Rankings
Cowboys: First in total offense (390.6 yards per game), 13th in rushing offense (122.1 YPG), second in passing offense (202.0 YPG), second in scoring offense (31.7 points per game).
Denver: Eleventh in total offense (347.0 yards per game), sixth in rushing offense (131.9 YPG), 15th in passing offense (215.1 YPG), 17th in scoring offense (23.3 points per game).
Defensive Rankings
Cowboys: Thirty-second in total defense (401.6 yards per game), 30th in rushing defense (141.3 YPG), 32nd in passing defense (260.3 YPG), 30th in scoring defense (29.4 points per game).
Denver: Third in total defense (273.1 yards per game), ninth in rushing defense (93.3 YPG), sixth in passing defense (179.9 YPG), fourth in scoring defense (18.1 points per game).
Here are the MHR staff’s keys to Sunday’s game.
Get off to a fast start (and stay hot)
The Broncos need to set the tone on Sunday. Whether they defer the kickoff or take the ball, Denver needs to put the Cowboys back on their heels. If the Broncos start on defense, at least force a three-and-out, and Bo Nix proceeds to lead an opening-drive touchdown. If Denver starts on offense, score a touchdown, and the defense proceeds to force at least a three-and-out. But don’t let up. Keep the fast start rolling and don’t allow Dallas to get into any kind of rhythm, especially on offense. — Ian St. Clair
Run the ball
I know it’s fun to watch Bo Nix sling it around the field and make big plays with his legs. We all like that. However, a winning formula (that doesn’t require us all to have a massive coronary) is to establish J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey. If the Broncos run the ball well, it allows Nix and Sean Payton to control the game and take big shots when necessary. — Adam Malnati
Play 60 minutes
While the euphoria of a 33-point fourth-quarter comeback win has not yet fully worn off, I can admit that playing a full game against the Dallas Cowboys is likely necessary if the Broncos hope to win. Dallas is playing good football and is clearly a superior opponent to the last two Denver struggled to beat. Just go out there and perform for an entire game, please! — Tim Lynch
Limit the big play ability of the Cowboys offense
This is a game where Denver’s defense will need to play at a high level. The Cowboys have one of the best offenses in the National Football League. Quarterback Dak Prescott is off to a fantastic start this season. Prescott currently ranks in the top 5 in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and completion percentage. To secure a victory, the Broncos’ secondary will have to play at its highest level to date. On top of that, Denver’s fearsome pass rush will have to try to find a way to rattle Prescott, who has only been sacked eight times this season. If the Broncos can keep this game from being a shootout, I like their chances of winning. — Christopher Hart
