The Denver Broncos will look to go 2-0 on the season as they go up against the NFC East Champs from last season, the Dallas Cowboys.
After a thrilling win over their divisional rivals on Monday, the Denver Broncos must make a quick turnaround. Sunday, they welcome the Dallas Cowboys to Mile High. This will be the first meeting since the epic 2013 game in Dallas.
Led by Peyton Manning, the Denver Broncos went into AT&T Stadium and went toe to toe with Tony Romo and the Cowboys. A game winning field goal by former Broncos kicker Matt Prater gave them a 51-48 win.
It will be difficult to see both teams bring that same shootout power. But this will certainly be a big time matchup this early in the season. A win against the Dallas Cowboys will bring extra motivation. Beating a team that made it to the Divisional Round last season will give the Broncos some confidence.
Let us take a look at some key matchups and battles between these two teams.
Key Matchups:
Ezekiel Elliott vs. Broncos Front Seven
Dak Prescott vs. Broncos Secondary
Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders vs. Cowboys Secondary
What To Watch For:
How will the Denver Broncos Defense handle Zeke and Prescott?
Perhaps the biggest issue will be Ezekiel Elliott. The Denver Broncos run defense did pretty well against the run on Monday night. But Ezekiel Elliott will be a new beast to conquer. It was originally believed that he could miss this game due to suspension.
If the Denver Broncos can handle Elliott, then the game will go into Dak Prescott’s hands. He has a solid cast of players to pass to. But with the secondary of the Broncos, it will not be an easy game.
I can honestly see a situation where if the Broncos can contain Elliott, then this game will be a bit easier to handle.
Can the Denver Broncos keep the streak going?
The Denver Broncos have not lost to the Dallas Cowboys since 1995. Recently inducted Hall of Famer Terrell Davis was a rookie the last time Denver lost to Dallas.
Even though Dallas has not won in over 20 years, this matchup has been known to have its fair share of great games. In fact, the last four games between the Broncos and Cowboys have been decided by seven points or less.
Look for another close game.
Final Injury Report:
Practice and playing status for #Broncos #Cowboys this Sunday. pic.twitter.com/5tYUhhpxF7
— Ronnie (@RonnieKRadio) September 15, 2017
Prediction:
If Ezekiel Elliott had been suspended for this game, I think the Denver Broncos would have enough to get the win. Having the running back in the backfield makes this game a little more challenging. In fact, his performance could decide the entire game.
The Denver Broncos run defense will need to really push around that offensive line if they are going to have a chance to win this game. I think they are capable of doing that.
Another question is how will Trevor Siemian perform against a secondary that does not seem to be the biggest threat? If he can get the ball flying up there and the receivers can beat them, it could be a good game.
With that said, it will be a very close game. But, like I said last week, the Denver Broncos will make one more play than the Cowboys.
Broncos 27 Cowboys 24
Next: Broncos sign Ahtyba Rubin, Jared Crick to IR
TV Information:
Who: Denver Broncos vs. Dallas Cowboys
Where: Sports Authority Field at Mile High
When: Sunday September 17th, 2017
Time: 4:25 PM EST/2:25 PM MST
TV Station: FOX
Announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews (sideline reporter)