Denver Broncos vs Dallas Cowboys: Top 3 player matchups for Week 9

The 6-1 Dallas Cowboys will take on the 4-4 Denver Broncos at AT&T Stadium on Sunday. Denver started the season 3-0 but since has lost 4 of their last 5 games. The Cowboys are expected to have quarterback Dak Prescott back under center for this game, and because of that Dallas is a 10 point favorite in the game.

Despite Denver’s recent struggles, they do have some talented players on both sides of the ball that can cause problems for Dallas. With that being said let’s take a look at the top matchups between the Cowboys and Broncos.

Dallas Cowboys: Micah Parsons vs Javonte Williams

This matchup is between two rookies, Parsons obviously being the Cowboys’ first-round pick and Javonte Williams a running back from North Carolina that the Broncos selected in the second round.

This is an exciting matchup because Williams is a very powerful running back, Williams and Colts running back Jonathan Taylor are the only two players with at least 3 rushes of 30+ yards this season. Also, Williams leads all rookie running backs in missed tackles forced with 28.

Although, Denver has a true running back by committee approach as Melvin Gordon leads the team in carries with 88 compared to Williams’ 78. Both are averaging over 4.5 yards per carry, however, presenting a tough test for the Dallas run defense.

That is where reigning NFC defensive player of the week Micah Parsons comes in. Parsons is the Cowboys’ best linebacker and his ability to fly around the field and make plays should allow him to wreak havoc in the run game.

Last week, Parsons had 4 tackles for loss against the Vikings. As he gets ready to face Williams and the Broncos it will be interesting to see how a sure tackler like Parsons is able to handle Denver’s running game. Neutralizing Williams and the Broncos run game and forcing Denver quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to beat them seems like the best strategy for the Cowboys.