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The Denver Broncos will take on the Dallas Cowboys to help kick off Week 9 of the NFL season. It's time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Broncos-Cowboys prediction and pick.
It's easy to overlook the Broncos in a crowded AFC playoff picture, but they're still very much in the mix. Denver is currently sitting on a 4-4 record, a record that puts them well within striking distance of a wild card spot at the very least. A win here would place the Broncos in a position to fight for the AFC West, something that no one expected. Meanwhile, Dallas doesn't have to do much fighting for their playoff spot. The Cowboys have all but secured the NFC East title already, as their below average divisional rivals haven't provided much competition for the crown. Another win against a potential postseason team would be a nice boost to the Cowboys' confidence, so this is an important game for both sides.
For our conversation about Broncos-Cowboys on the Establish the Pass podcast, click below:
Here's how the bookmakers have set the odds for the Broncos-Cowboys game.
NFL Odds: Broncos-Cowboys Odds
Denver Broncos: +9.5 (-110)
Dallas Cowboys: -9.5 (-110)
Over: 48.5 (-114)
Under 48.5 (-106)
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Why The Broncos Can Cover The Spread
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After a tough couple of games, this Denver defense is quietly returning to form. They've allowed 27 points over their last two contests while notching six sacks and 12 quarterback hits in that span. The pass rush is coming to life and the secondary is playing well behind it. The Broncos have allowed two receivers to surpass 50 yards in the past two games. This defense will definitely have their hands full with the Cowboys' offense, but it looks like they're up to the task.
While Dallas had a solid defensive showing against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8, that type of performance hasn't been the norm for them. The Cowboys allowed 29 points to a middling New England Patriots team, while also getting lit up for 28 points by the Carolina Panthers earlier in the season. This defense isn't a particularly good one. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater should have an efficient passing day at the very least, which should spur a decent day from Denver's struggling offense.
Why The Cowboys Can Cover The Spread
To no one's surprise, Dallas's ability to win and cover here is almost entirely reliant on their offense. It looks like Quarterback Dak Prescott will make his return in this game, making the Cowboys one of the best offenses in the entire NFL. Dallas has also faced defenses that are similar to the Broncos, and none have slowed them down. The Panthers are one of the best units in the NFL against opposing passing games, but Dak Prescott and crew managed to drop 36 points on them. The Patriots are another well-rounded defensive unit, but Dallas marched into Foxboro and put up another 35 points. It's hard to see the Broncos faring well on defense here if Prescott does make it back into the lineup.
Despite their early offensive success, Denver has turned into one of the sleepiest offensive teams in the league. The Broncos have managed to post 31 points over their last two contests while playing some of the most boring, bland offensive football the NFL has ever seen. The best part of Denver's offense has been their ground game, and the Cowboys are well equipped to handle that. Dallas only allows 88 rushing yards per game, a number that is good for sixth-best in the league. The Cowboys will force the ball into Teddy Bridgewater's hands, and that will inevitably lead to stops.
Final Broncos-Cowboys Prediction & Pick
Dallas has a track record of covering in spots like this. Assuming Prescott is healthy, lock in the Cowboys and don't look back.
FINAL BRONCOS-COWBOYS PREDICTION & PICK: Dallas Cowboys: -9.5 (-110)
