DENVER (Oct. 26, 2025) — Rookie energy fueled the Denver Broncos on Sunday afternoon, as three first-year standouts powered the team to a commanding 44-24 win over the Dallas Cowboys at Empower Field at Mile High. The victory marked Denver’s fifth straight win and extended its NFL-best home winning streak to nine games, solidifying their position as one of the AFC’s hottest teams.

Rookie Class Takes Center Stage

Quarterback Bo Nix, running back R.J. Harvey, wide receiver Pat Bryant, and defensive back Jahdae Barron combined to deliver the most complete performance of Denver’s season. Nix threw for four touchdowns and orchestrated an offense that scored on seven of its next eight drives after a sluggish opening possession.

Harvey found the end zone three times, including a direct-snap score that capped a dominant first half. Bryant, meanwhile, hauled in his first career touchdown, a 24-yard over-the-shoulder catch that pushed Denver’s lead to 27-10 before halftime. Barron, the team’s first-round pick, grabbed his first career interception, jumping a route just before halftime to snuff out a Cowboys scoring threat.

“Our rookies did a great job,” veteran running back J.K. Dobbins said, who rushed for 111 yards on 15 carries. “They’re growing every week, and it’s huge for our confidence as a team.”

Nix Finding His Rhythm

After an early interception on Denver’s first possession, Nix settled in to play one of his sharpest games as a pro. The rookie finished with 278 passing yards, completing 20-of-28 attempts, and added a handful of timely scrambles to keep drives alive.

“He’s getting more comfortable in this system each week,” head coach Sean Payton said. “He doesn’t get rattled. Even after that early mistake, he led us down the field time and time again. That’s what leaders do.”

Nix’s chemistry with fellow rookies was on full display. His second touchdown to Troy Franklin in the third quarter extended the lead to 37-17, effectively putting the game out of reach.

Dobbins and Harvey Dominate the Ground Game

The Broncos overpowered Dallas in the trenches, outgaining the Cowboys 179 to 108 on the ground. The one-two punch of Dobbins and Harvey combined for 157 rushing yards and five total touchdowns.

“This is what we’ve been chasing,” right guard Quinn Meinerz said. “Complementary football — offense, defense, special teams — all working together. We’re finally playing to our potential.”

Cowboys Struggle to Find Consistency

For Dallas, the loss was another setback in what’s becoming a rollercoaster season. Quarterback Dak Prescott finished with 246 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, while former Broncos running back Javonte Williams scored twice in his return to Denver.

“We didn’t play anywhere close to our standard,” Prescott admitted. “We’ve got too much talent to be this inconsistent. It’s something we’ve got to fix, fast.”

The Cowboys (3-4-1) have now lost eight straight games to Denver, a streak that dates back to 1995 — when Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith were still leading the franchise.

Emotional Homecoming for Javonte Williams

Williams’ return to Denver was bittersweet. The former Bronco, who spent four seasons in orange and blue, found the end zone twice but was limited to 41 rushing yards on 13 carries. After the game, several Denver players made a point to embrace their former teammate.

“Shout-out to Javonte,” said linebacker Justin Strnad. “I was trying to talk to him during the game, just showing love. The refs thought I was trash-talking, but he’s still family here.”

Injury Updates

Denver’s celebration was tempered by injuries to key players. All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II exited in the second quarter with a shoulder injury after briefly returning from an earlier leg issue. Tight end Nate Adkins also left late in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. Payton declined to provide specifics postgame but praised the team’s depth.

“We had guys step up all over the field,” Payton said. “That’s what good teams do when adversity hits.”

Looking Ahead

With the win, the Broncos improved to 6-2, keeping pace in the AFC playoff race. They’ll look to continue their momentum when they visit the Las Vegas Raiders next Sunday.

Dallas will try to rebound in a Monday night home matchup against the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 3.

As the Mile High crowd chanted “Let’s ride” in the game’s final minutes, one thing was clear — this Broncos team is no longer rebuilding. Behind the calm leadership of Nix and a rookie class that’s already making headlines, Denver looks like a legitimate contender once again.