The Dallas Cowboys (3-3-1) are coming off another offensive explosion last weekend in their 44-22 divisional win over the Washington Commanders at home. With momentum on their side, the Cowboys now head out to the Mile High City for an interesting matchup against the Denver Broncos (5-2) in one of the biggest games of Week 8.
Keys to a Cowboys Victory
Dallas is taking on one of the better teams in the AFC this week in a tough road environment. This game is a true test for the Cowboys to see if they belong among the top teams in the NFL. The way the Cowboys have won this season is through their offense, and that will have to be their formula for success in 2025. Led by MVP candidate quarterback Dak Prescott, Dallas has the top offense in the league and will have to put up a good amount of points to come out on top.
The elite wide receiver duo of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens will have to shine. Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II is one of the best at his position, and he will likely take on the challenge of covering Lamb.
That means Prescott will need to target Pickens, and those two will need to generate some big plays like they have through the first seven weeks. Jaxson Dart had a good amount of success against Denver last week, and Prescott will look to replicate that without the turnovers.
This is also a homecoming for running back Javonte Williams. The Cowboys have done better in establishing their rushing game, and will need to hold a good portion of the time of possession to keep Bo Nix and the Broncos offense off the field. Most importantly, they need to keep their defense fresh to have the best chance of slowing Denver down.
Defensively, the Cowboys cannot completely implode. The expectations are low for Matt Eberflus' unit to have success this week, but a bend, don't break style gives Dallas the best chance.
Matchup History Favors Broncos
The Broncos lead the AFC West at the moment and are riding a four-game win streak. Most recently, Denver beat the New York Giants in one of the wildest games of the year. The Broncos scored 33 fourth-quarter points to pull off a stunning victory.
Denver has not lost at home this season, with both of their road losses coming on a combined four points. The Broncos lost to the Colts 29-28 after an offside call gave Indy another chance at a field goal. The Chargers won on a game-winning score on their last drive. It will take a big effort for Dallas to win in Colorado.
The Broncos lead the all-time series against the Cowboys 9-5. Denver has, in fact, beaten Dallas in their last five matchups. The Cowboys haven't beaten them since 1995, when they last won the Super Bowl. In their most recent matchup, the Broncos won 30-16 in November 2021.
Prediction: Broncos Edge Cowboys In Thriller
This is the toughest game the Cowboys have had since facing the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL kickoff game. Dallas has played considerably well against quality opponents, nearly toppling the Eagles on the road before almost getting the win over the Green Bay Packers in a 40-40 tie.
I expect them to play well in this big-time Week 8 game and give the Broncos a good fight. The Denver defense will be looking to bounce back after allowing 32 points, but Prescott continuing to perform like the best quarterback in the league will give them issues.
It will be tough for the Dallas defense, and there has not been enough out of them so far this year to have any level of confidence that they can play well against Nix, J.K. Dobbins, and Courtland Sutton. The Broncos' running game will dominate the clock and keep Prescott's high-flying offense on the sideline. It will be close, but the Broncos make it six straight against Dallas.