Stick here for live updates and analysis as Denver takes on the Cowboys at Empower Field at Mile High.
Live updates
Pre-game updates
Scouting report (10:45 a.m.): Check out how the Broncos match up with the Cowboys in Luca Evans’ scouting report.
Game predictions
Parker Gabriel, Broncos writer: Cowboys 28, Broncos 24
The Broncos’ performances offensively and in the penalty department have been enough to engineer fourth-quarter comebacks against Philadelphia and the two New York teams the past three weeks. Those three are, in order, 14th, 27th and 18th in scoring so far this season. Dallas is second. They’ve got two elite receivers, a resurgent Javonte Williams, a terrific and underrated tight end in Jake Ferguson and a quarterback in Dak Prescott who is playing at an MVP level. The Cowboys’ defense is bad and Denver’s is good, but all the same, a long dry spell or a continuation of the penalty plague will not end well this weekend.
Luca Evans, Broncos writer: Cowboys 31, Broncos 24
Denver’s dangled at the edge of a cliff for about three games now, and that ability to finish is both a skill and a cover-up for larger issues. The Broncos haven’t shown the ability to play a complete offensive game for — well, the entire year. Their underneath coverage got exposed against New York. Their special-teams play and general discipline are touch-and-go. Now the best offense in the league rolls into town, and Denver’s own offense hasn’t quite shown the consistent capability to win in a shootout (last Sunday notwithstanding).
Troy Renck, columnist: Broncos 27, Cowboys 24
The way the Broncos are playing is not sustainable. Puntapalooza for long stretches, blown assignments, endless penalties, all erased by magical fourth quarters. They cannot keep winning this way. But they should not have to against the Cowboys. Dallas averages 41.3 points and 441 yards at home, 24.5 and 353 on the road. And for Dallas, D has been optional. If the Broncos cannot find traction against this group, then sound the alarm. A Broncos cornerback will post an interception for the first time this season, Javonte Williams will find no room to run, and Bo Nix will rediscover the middle of the field with Evan Engram.
Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 25, Dallas 23
The Broncos are the NFL’s ultimate Rorschach test. Are they good? Are they lucky? They’ve stumbled and bumbled, but they’re 5-2. When the offense stinks in London, the D bails them out. When the D struggles vs. the Giants, the offense catches fire. Belief is a heck of a thing. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are 1-3 on the road, where they’re averaging 24.5 points per game, and where old pal Javonte Williams sometimes looks mortal. Sean Payton is 5-1 against NFC opponents at Empower Field, and 3-0 vs. NFC foes at home in October. It’s OK to sweat the details, given the last two weekends of weirdness. Just don’t sleep on the trends.
Broncos-Cowboys NFL Week 8: Must-reads
Here’s how much postgame interactions with NFL referee Brad Allen have cost the Denver Broncos defense
The Broncos inside linebacker room paid a steep price for the sequence that immediately followed Wil Lutz’s walk-off, 39-yard field goal Sunday against the New York Giants.
Dre Greenlaw, of course, got hit with a one-game suspension for chasing and verbally threatening referee Brad Allen, according to the NFL, which was upheld on appeal. He won’t play Sunday vs. Dallas and is out $292,778 when combining a game check and a $90,000 per-game roster bonus.
He’s not the only one impacted, though. Read Parker Gabriel’s story.
Renck: Blame Sean Payton’s play-calling if you must, but truth is Bo Nix needs to play better
Nobody is complaining. But we all know what is coming.
The Broncos cannot keep winning this way, by stinking for long stretches, then creating goosebumps that leave us running for the history books. It is not sustainable, like making every green light when late for work.
Denver is the player hitting .300 with 15 bloopers. Regression looms without a course correction. Blame Sean Payton’s play-calling if you must. But here’s the thing: Bo Nix has to play better. Read Troy Renck’s column.
Broncos HC Sean Payton: Gambling scandal involving ‘good friend’ Chauncey Billups ‘hits heavy’
Every year, the topic of prop bets comes back through Dove Valley. Broncos defensive tackle Eyioma Uwazurike was given a year-long suspension in 2023 by the NFL for betting on games, and the team holds presentations on gambling every season, head coach Sean Payton said Friday.
Betting education has now hit Denver again — along with 31 other NFL teams — after the league sent out a gambling memo Friday to every franchise in the wake of a massive federal indictment that’s caught up several former NBA players and coaches. Chief among them is Denver native and former Nuggets star Chauncey Billups, who has been accused of participating in a Mafia-backed poker game that scammed players out of millions. Read Luca Evans’ story.
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