ESPN
Last week: 18
When Bradley Chubb went on injured reserve in September and Von Miller was traded on Nov. 1, opportunity met preparation for Cooper, who has made his first two career starts in the Broncos' last two games. The seventh-round pick had his first two career sacks in the Broncos' win over the Cowboys this past Sunday.
Dan Hanzus, NFL.com
Last week: 23
In their first game without Von Miller, the Broncos were the best version of themselves in a stunning upset of the Cowboys. The running game -- led by Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon -- operated as a runaway train, while Teddy Bridgewater outplayed Dak Prescott with an efficient performance that saw big contributions from Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick. Then there was the defense, which shut out the No. 1 offense in football until garbage time and made you think Denver might still have greatness on that side of the ball -- even with a franchise legend like Miller cashing his checks elsewhere. This was the type of performance that changes the way you look at a team.
Sports Illustrated
Perpetually difficult to figure out, the Broncos can demolish an opponent without one of the best defenders in franchise history, but struggle to hang with some of the other middling opponents on their schedule. Still, a game against the Eagles before the bye will be instructive; Vic Fangio's defense remains dangerous and a difficult matchup for any team in the NFL. If they're 6–4 after 10 games with a handful of winnable games remaining after the break, they should be taken seriously.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports
Last week: 22
Give Vic Fangio credit for getting his team ready to beat the Cowboys. After trading Von Miller, who knew how they would play? The defense was outstanding against the Cowboys and they are in the playoff hunt.
Bleacher Report
Last week: 20
This game was nowhere as close as the final score indicates—the Broncos scored the game's first 30 points. Denver outgained one of the league's most potent offenses by over 100 yards, held the Cowboys to 290 yards of offense (many of which came with the contest decided), forced two turnovers and sacked Dak Prescott twice.
Check out photos from the Broncos' big win over the Cowboys as they celebrated their many big plays and the victory itself as the clock hit all zeroes.
Justin Simmons during the Broncos' Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 7, 2021. (Photo by Gabriel Christus)
Melvin Gordon III during the Broncos' Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 7, 2021. (Photo by Joshua Gateley)
Andrew Beck, Dalton Risner and Melvin Gordon III during the Broncos' Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 7, 2021. (Photo by Gabriel Christus)
Dalton Risner during the Broncos' Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 7, 2021. (Photo by Joshua Gateley)
Andrew Beck, Dalton Risner and Melvin Gordon III during the Broncos' Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 7, 2021. (Photo by Joshua Gateley)
Tim Patrick and Melvin Gordon III during the Broncos' Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 7, 2021. (Photo by Gabriel Christus)
Andrew Beck, Dalton Risner and Melvin Gordon III during the Broncos' Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 7, 2021. (Photo by Joshua Gateley)
Tim Patrick during the Broncos' Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 7, 2021. (Photo by Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick (81) celebrates catching a touchdown pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Tim Patrick during the Broncos' Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 7, 2021. (Photo by Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick celebrates a touchdown catch during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick (81) and wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) celebrate in the end zone after a touchdown catch by Patrick during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) signals for a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
Denver Broncos offensive guard Dalton Risner (66) lifts up quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) to celebrate a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
Kareem Jackson during the Broncos' Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 7, 2021. (Photo by Joshua Gateley)
Jonathon Cooper and Stephen Weatherly during the Broncos' Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 7, 2021. (Photo by Gabriel Christus)
Javonte Williams during the Broncos' Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 7, 2021. (Photo by Joshua Gateley)
Tim Patrick and Quinn Meinerz during the Broncos' Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 7, 2021. (Photo by Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick (81) flexes as he celebrates during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
Shelby Harris during the Broncos' Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 7, 2021. (Photo by Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos safety Jamar Johnson (41) signals short during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) celebrates with his arms extended during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) and wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland (16) jump together in celebration during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (53) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
Caden Sterns, Kenny Young and P.J. Locke during the Broncos' Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 7, 2021. (Photo by Joshua Gateley)
Denver Broncos safety Caden Sterns (30) celebrates after intercepting the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
Denver Broncos safety Caden Sterns (30) celebrates intercepting a pass during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Denver won 30-16. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
during the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) shakes hands with Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) after an NFL football game on Sunday, November 7, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) shakes hands with Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) after an NFL football game on Sunday, November 7, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
After the Broncos' Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 7, 2021. (Photo by Joshua Gateley)
during the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos safety Jamar Johnson (41) waves to fans after an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
Denver Broncos linebacker Stephen Weatherly (91) celebrates after an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
during the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos strong safety Kareem Jackson (22) celebrates after an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
during the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon (25) celebrates after an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
Denver Broncos tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (85) celebrates after an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 7, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
Frank Schwab, Yahoo Sports
Last week: 21
The Broncos didn't have much on their resume before Sunday. Then they absolutely blasted the Cowboys, leading 30-0 with five minutes left. Does that mean the Broncos have taken a step forward? Or was it a random outcome on a crazy Sunday?
Mark Maske, Washington Post
Previous ranking: 21
The lopsided triumph at Dallas gives the Broncos two straight wins on the heels of a four-game skid. They have a good chance to keep things rolling this weekend when they host the Eagles. The Broncos certainly didn't miss LB Von Miller. They got a spectacular return in the Miller trade, and that bodes well for the future. In the short term, it's still difficult to know what to make of this team, given its wild fluctuations in performance.
Nate Davis, USA Today
Last week: 22
Though 5-4, Denver's rout of Dallas on Sunday was its first victory over a varsity opponent. A win over Eagles on Sunday would give Broncos sweep of NFC East.
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
Last week: 21
The Broncos rallied around talk of them giving up in 2021 and came through with a post-Von Miller dominant defensive performance in Dallas. Let's see if that ends up being a short-lived Vic Fangio reprieve or a springboard to a big second half.
