The Denver Broncos got the win.
Not that they didn’t do anything and everything in their power to lose, because they did. The Washington Football Team is just worse than the Broncos.
There’s a theme in there for Denver. The Broncos are now 4-4 on the season after the 17-10 win over Washington. Denver’s four wins have come against teams with a combined record of 7-22, with the New York Giants set to play on Monday night. The Broncos four losses are against teams with a combined record of 18-11.
Up next is one of the best teams in the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys. And it’s the first game in 10 years Denver will play without Von Miller on its roster. The veteran edge was traded to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday.
Broncos vs Cowboys odds
When the Broncos spreads were first released in mid-May, Denver was “only” a +4.5-point underdog to the Cowboys.
Now midway through the season, the Broncos are a -point underdog to Dallas and that’s with Dak Prescott’s status up in the air.
Prescott didn’t play on Sunday night against the Minnesota Vikings because of a calf strain. Based on how the Cowboys looked with backup quarterback Cooper Rush, on the road, no wonder they’re a huge favorite on Sunday.
If you’re thinking about placing a bet on this game, here’s an interesting factoid to consider. Dallas is 7-0 against the spread this season. The Cowboys are the lone team in the NFL to remain unbeaten against the spread. As for the Broncos, they’re 4-4.
Another interesting fact, this is only the second time this season Denver is an underdog. The other came against the Cleveland Browns when the Broncos were a +1.5-point underdog.
The other popular NFL betting market is the total. As it stands now, the over/under sits at . Obviously, the biggest factor in that is the status of Prescott. Though given how the Dallas offense looked with Rush, it would make an interesting bet, for sure.
Since the game is being played in Jerry World, bettors don’t have to fret about the weather since the Cowboys play in a dome.
As for the Broncos and the total, the over has hit just twice this season.
Here’s another factor to consider if you were thinking about betting on the Broncos and Dallas, Denver left tackle Garett Bolles has a Grade 2 high ankle sprain and won’t play on Sunday.
How the Broncos cover/win
This is a broken record at this point in Broncos Country, but the offense must score touchdowns.
Heading into Week 9, Denver’s offense averages 19.6 points per game. Even if Prescott doesn’t play, that won’t cut it against the Cowboys.
For the Broncos to have a puncher’s chance on Sunday, they need to score at least 24 points. Whether that comes from a methodical, eat-the-clock approach or big plays from Teddy Bridgewater and his talented offensive weapons, that is the goal on Sunday. But who are we kidding, Pat Shumur is the offensive coordinator so good luck.
As for the defense, Denver needs to get consistent pressure in the passing and running game. The Broncos must also limit the big plays and force some turnovers. That last one has about much chance of happening as the eat-clock-approach for the offense. Though Denver did get two interceptions against the Football Team, so there’s hope.
On the season, the Broncos are -2 in turnover differential and have only created eight on defense.
Denver was able to end its four-game losing streak but it certainly doesn’t feel like they won. And that was before the trade of Miller to the Rams.
Now comes one of the better teams in the NFL. Halloween may have ended, but the nightmare lives on.
