Matt Prater's last-gasp field goal has helped the Denver Broncos edge a brilliant battle with the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL, with Tony Romo coming up short in a 51-48 thriller despite throwing for five touchdowns.

Both Roma and Peyton Manning were on top form in a clash featuring 11 touchdowns, but it was the latter who prevailed in a nail-biting finale.

Dallas started the quicker and scored two touchdowns in a first quarter full of action, with Romo finding Dez Bryant before DeMarco Murray drove over soon after.

Denver responded as Manning found his range in the second quarter, providing for Eric Decker and Julius Thomas before scoring himself to put the Broncos 28-20 ahead at the break.

Back came the Cowboys in the third quarter as Romo continued to find receivers with alarming regularity, completing an 82-yard score to Terrance Williams as the hosts responded strongly.

Manning was able to keep replying, though, as both teams continued to trade quick touchdowns, with Knowshon Moreno scoring midway through the fourth quarter to level things up at 48 apiece.

Despite reaching 500 passing yards, it was a late mistake from Romo that ultimately cost his team dear, turning the ball over with a misplaced pass with just two minutes left.

Denver made the most of that error to create a late field-goal opportunity, which Prater duly dispatched from 28 yards to record a fifth straight win for the Broncos.