DENVER, Colo. (Oct. 26, 2025) — The Denver Broncos (5–2) return home riding a four-game winning streak, hoping to continue their midseason surge when they host the Dallas Cowboys (3–3–1) on Sunday afternoon at Empower Field at Mile High. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS, with Denver entering as 3.5-point favorites and the game’s over/under listed at 51.5 points.

It’s a meeting between two storied franchises headed in opposite directions. Denver is climbing the AFC standings behind a balanced offense and fierce pass rush, while Dallas continues to battle inconsistency, alternating wins and losses for the past month.

Recent History Favors Denver

The Broncos have had Dallas’ number in recent years, winning the last two matchups by a combined 72–33 margin. Their most recent meeting, in 2023, saw Denver overwhelm the Cowboys with a punishing defense and big plays through the air — a formula head coach Sean Payton hopes to repeat on Sunday.

When favored this season, the Broncos are 4–1 straight up and own a 65.8% implied win probability according to betting markets. However, they’ve covered the spread in just one of their four games as favorites, often letting opponents hang around late.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, find themselves in a must-win situation. At 3–3–1, they sit third in the NFC East, searching for consistency in all three phases. Their offense showed flashes of rhythm in last week’s 44–22 win over Washington, but facing Denver’s top-10 defense at altitude presents a different kind of challenge.

Bo Nix Commanding the Broncos Offense

Few rookies have made a smoother transition to the NFL than Denver quarterback Bo Nix. The former Oregon standout has quickly become the face of the franchise, combining poise with athleticism in Payton’s creative offensive scheme.

Through seven games, Nix has thrown for 1,556 yards, 11 touchdowns, and four interceptions, completing 62.5% of his passes while also adding 172 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground. His efficiency on third down and mobility in the pocket have been game-changers for a Broncos team that ranks in the top half of the league in scoring (24.6 points per game).

Running back J.K. Dobbins, who ranks seventh in the NFL with 523 rushing yards, has been equally important. Dobbins’ 5.0 yards per carry gives Denver a reliable option to control the clock, especially in the high altitude of Mile High Stadium where visiting defenses often wear down late.

Veteran receiver Courtland Sutton has been Nix’s go-to target, recording 469 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 33 catches, while rookie Troy Franklin adds explosiveness with 27 receptions for 269 yards and two scores.

“Bo’s calmness and command have impressed everyone,” Payton said this week. “He’s distributing the ball well, keeping us on schedule, and playing smart football — exactly what we need from our quarterback.”

Defensive Dominance Driving Denver

Denver’s resurgence is not just about offense. The defense, led by one of the league’s most disruptive pass-rushing units, has been the backbone of their four-game streak.

Linebacker Nik Bonitto ranks third in the NFL with eight sacks, while fellow edge rusher Jonathon Cooper adds six sacks and five tackles for loss. Together, they’ve helped Denver climb to fifth in the league in team sacks and seventh in red-zone defense.

Veteran linebacker Alex Singleton continues to anchor the middle with a team-high 59 tackles, and safety Talanoa Hufanga has brought physicality and leadership to the secondary, totaling 45 tackles and two tackles for loss this season.

“Defensively, our communication and trust have been elite,” Payton said. “The guys are flying to the ball, and the front seven is creating chaos every week.”

Prediction: Broncos 30, Cowboys 21

The Broncos’ balance on both sides of the ball, combined with their home-field advantage and current momentum, makes them a strong bet to keep their winning streak alive. Denver’s defensive front should create pressure on Prescott, while Nix and Dobbins provide enough offensive firepower to secure a statement win.

Pick Against the Spread: Broncos (-3.5)
Pick Over/Under: Under (51.5)
Projected Final Score: Broncos 30, Cowboys 21

If Denver can extend its streak to five straight, the conversation may soon shift from playoff contention to legitimate AFC dark horse status.