The Broncos this week took a realistic look at their roster and realized that more important than having Von Miller around for the second half of the season was loading up on more draft capital. So in the blockbuster trade of the deadline, the Broncos sent Miller to the Rams in exchange for L.A.’s second and third-round draft picks in 2022.
And now the post-Von Miller era begins for the Broncos against an excellent Cowboys team, welcoming back Dak Prescott.
Denver Broncos
The good news in Denver is that the losing streak is over. After four straight losses dropped the Broncos below .500 and wiped out their excellent first month of the season, the Broncos beat Washington.
It wasn’t the prettiest of offensive performances. No one rushed for more than 47 yards, and Teddy Bridgewater managed just 213 yards. But the defense picked off Washington quarterback Taylor Heinicke twice, and then they rose to the occasion late and shut out WFT in the fourth quarter.
The Broncos insist the trade of Miller is not an indication that they have given up on the season. But when you see this offense, and you see the struggle required to score just 17 points, you begin to understand why the extra draft picks were too tempting to turn down.
Dallas Cowboys (-9.5)
The Cowboys have won six games in a row, and none may be as impressive as the one they just recorded Sunday night in Minnesota. They took a risk and decided to sit Dak Prescott for another week to let his calf heal. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush rewarded that decision by playing his dream game in his first-ever NFL start, getting Dallas the win.
The Cowboys didn’t miss a beat in gaining a game on both the Bucs and the Cardinals, and they kept pace with the Rams, all the while working to keep their greatest asset healthy.
It really was their best win of the season, and it speaks to the overall depth of this team and its ability to absorb the injuries that are sure to plague everyone dealing with a 17-game schedule for the first time.
Betting Picks
Cowboys (-9.5)
The reasoning behind this pick is simple. The Cowboys are a perfect 7-0 against the spread this season, and there is no reason to think that the Broncos have the offensive firepower to keep this game close.
A returning Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Amari Cooper, and the two-headed running attack of Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard make up one of the best collections of weapons anywhere in the NFL. That defense is also light years better than last year.
The Cowboys win this game by 14 to 17 points and cover the spread.
Under 49.5
Even when the offense was clicking, the Broncos were going under the total. They’ve been under in six of eight games this season. The Cowboys are mostly an over team this year, but in a game that feels like 31-14, Dallas will go under for the third time.