With Juanyeh Thomas and Donovan Wilson both inactive, the Cowboys only had two active safeties against Denver, and got burned as a result. Two undrafted safeties got the start, with Alijah Clark and Markquese Bell getting the nod. Let's just say it wasn't pretty.

Going into their showdown with the Denver Broncos, the Cowboys were hoping some defensive adjustments would carry over from a Week 7 win over the Washington Commanders. That didn’t happen in Week 8. In fact, Dallas’ defense reverted to a few troubling trends in a 44-24 loss at Empower Field at Mile High.

The Broncos (5-2) are set to welcome the Cowboys (3-3-1) in one of the most compelling matchups yet this season, as Denver's top-five defense aims to slow the Cowboys' potent offense. How to watch, listen to and live stream the Broncos' Week 8 home matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025.

The Broncos won the toss and wanted to start on offense. The Cowboys defense was up first. It appeared early on as if Denver was well-reasoned in wanting the ball to start. Their first two plays went for solid gains and many were wondering what was up next. Trikweze Bridges intercepted Bo Nix. That’s what was up next!

The Broncos got three touchdowns from rookie RB RJ Harvey, another from rookie WR Pat Bryant and an interception from first-round pick Jahdae Barron.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer watches his team warm up before an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, in Denver.

Denver lost out on waiver claims placed on two blocking tight ends, Brenden Bates and Ben Sims. ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — There's no longer much doubt Broncos' No. 3 tight end Nate Adkins suffered a significant knee injury during the team's 44-24 defeat of the Dallas Cowboys.

The Broncos are now 6-2 and they remain in first place in the AFC West. They have now beaten the Cowboys in eight consecutive meetings, and they are 3-0 in their throwback uniform since reintroducing the look to their rotation in 2024.