Cowboys vs. Broncos Week 8 Pregame Breakdown

Two teams on the cusp of contender status meet this Sunday as the Dallas Cowboys travel to Empower Field at Mile High to face the Denver Broncos in what shapes up as one of Week 8’s most compelling matchups.​

The game pits Dallas’ high-powered offense against Denver’s elite defense — a contrast that could define the outcome and reveal which team is ready to take the next step toward playoff relevance.

Cowboys Offense Surging Ahead

The Cowboys enter this matchup boasting one of the most explosive offenses in football. Dak Prescott has played some of the best football of his career, leading an offense ranked near the top of the league in scoring and total yardage. Wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens have formed a dangerous pairing, while running back Javonte Williams has been a surprise breakout, pacing toward roughly 1,450 rushing yards.​

Dallas ranks second in the NFL in points scored, first in yards gained, fourth in offensive DVOA, and second in expected points added per play. That level of efficiency is especially impressive considering Lamb missed multiple games earlier in the season.

However, on the other side of the ball, the Cowboys’ defense has been the NFL’s most porous, allowing the most yards this season. Even their improved showing last week against Washington came with lapses — surrendering three touchdowns to an injury-depleted opponent. Owner Jerry Jones has hinted at trade deadline adjustments, and that urgency could define Dallas’ second half of the season.​

Broncos Defense Setting the Tone

Denver’s defense has been nothing short of dominant. Ranked top five across major defensive categories, the Broncos lead the league in sacks with 34, eight more than any other team. Edge rusher Nik Bonitto is emerging as an NFL Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner, while the unit as a whole continues to disrupt quarterbacks at a championship-caliber level.​

At 5-2, the Broncos have relied on that defense to keep them competitive, even as their offense has struggled for consistency. Their two losses — both last-minute defeats on the road to the Colts and Chargers — show just how close Denver is to being undefeated.​

Denver’s Offense: Searching for Consistency

Quarterback Bo Nix had a promising rookie season, but his sophomore campaign has been up and down. Denver’s offensive production has been largely confined to late-game surges. Over the past two weeks, the Broncos scored 18 points in the fourth quarter against Philadelphia and 33 in the fourth against the Giants — despite being shut out in the first three quarters of both games.​

To stay competitive against a Cowboys offense capable of explosive scoring, Denver will need to play complete football. Nix’s accuracy and decision-making early in drives will be key, as the Broncos currently rank among the league’s worst in first-quarter offensive efficiency.

Betting Outlook and Key Trends

According to BetMGM’s Week 8 odds, the Broncos enter as 3.5-point favorites at home, with the over/under set at 50.5 points. Simulation models suggest Denver has a 61.2% chance to win outright, though trends slightly favor Dallas to cover the spread at 55.2% confidence.​

Key trends entering Sunday’s contest include:

• Dallas has hit the over in 15 of its last 21 games.

• Denver has won nine straight home games on the moneyline.

• The Cowboys have converted only 25% of third-and-short plays into rushing attempts — lowest in the league.

• The Broncos have gone three-and-out on 37% of their first-quarter drives, also a league worst.​

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What’s at Stake

The Cowboys (3-3-1) need to pair their offensive dominance with defensive competence to stay in the NFC playoff race. Prescott’s play has him on the fringe of MVP discussions, but continued defensive lapses could undermine that narrative.

For the Broncos (5-2), their defense has already shown championship potential. If the offense can find equilibrium and sustain drives earlier in games, Denver could challenge the Chiefs for the AFC West lead.​

Sunday’s matchup offers a clear contrast: Dallas must stop bleeding yards, while Denver must find consistent rhythm on offense. Whichever side solves its flaw first may leave Week 8 looking like a true contender.