This Thursday Night Football, the Denver Broncos go to the New Orleans Saints. Sean Payton, the head coach of the Broncos, will be visiting Louisiana for the first time since departing the Saints in 2021.
After beginning the season with such a strong offensive performance that it might have been mistaken for a Payton-era squad, Payton and the Broncos will take on a struggling Saints team. For the second straight week, New Orleans (2-4 SU, 3-3 ATS) will start rookie Spencer Rattler as quarterback in place of regular starter Derek Carr, who is sidelined due to an oblique injury.
Bo Nix, the Broncos’ rookie quarterback, has performed admirably in six games.
It should be an exciting game on Thursday. See the game’s odds as well as our prediction and top picks for the Broncos vs. Saints NFL Week 7.
Broncos vs. Saints predictions and best bets
-
Broncos -2.5:-115 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook
-
Spencer Rattler interceptions thrown over 0.5:-130 odds at bet365 Sportsbook
-
Alvin Kamara rushing + receiving yards under 111.5:-115 odds at BetMGM Sportsbook
No one doubts the Saints’ ability to perform at their peak. In the first two weeks of the season, the Panthers and Cowboys learned their lesson the hard way.
But now, over a month later, the Saints are a shadow of their former self. The exhausted New Orleans offense should be constrained by the Broncos’ formidable defense.
QB Derek Carr, wide receiver Chris Olave, and wide receiver Rashid Shaheed are among the offensive players who will not play in this game. Taysom Hill, TE, is dubious.
Rattler was below average for the majority of last week’s game against Tampa Bay, although he did have a few strong moments.
Denver’s defense has been excellent, but their offense won’t blow the world away. The Broncos have given up the third-fewest yards per play and the fourth-lowest EPA (extra points added) per play.
Last week against Tampa Bay, Rattler was sacked five times and threw two interceptions. There may be more of the same versus Denver.
Although RB Alvin Kamara has always been a fantastic weapon, even the best players require support in order to play at their best. Why would we expect Kamara to perform at his typical level when that isn’t the case on Thursday Night Football?
Kamara’s output has decreased to 66 and 64 yards over the past two weeks, despite gaining at least 110 rushing and receiving yards in the first four games. Because the Saints are without their quarterback and top two receivers, he will be an even greater focus for the defense this week.
Broncos vs. Saints moneyline odds analysis
Why Denver could win as the favorite
BetMGM Sportsbook’s best odds are -145.
The Broncos offensive might be a cunning move, but the defense should be able to hold the New Orleans offense in check.
Last week, New Orleans lost for the fourth time in a row after giving up 51 points to Tampa Bay. What if the Saints’ once-promising season ends up being a bust and they are in a downward spiral?
Denver’s offensive success early Thursday might be enough to make the Saints players question their abilities.
Nix is developing, and an offense without top playmakers has benefited greatly from his dual-threat skills.
Why New Orleans could win as the underdog
The best odds at FanDuel Sportsbook are +128.
The Saints’ defense has been awful all season, even though it was awful last week. The fact that the opponent was a fellow NFC South rival who is familiar with the Saints may have contributed to the subpar performance.
The good news for New Orleans is that Baker Mayfield, the quarterback for Tampa, is far superior to Nix. On TNF, the Saints won’t have to deal with a full-on secondary assault.
Given how well Denver’s defense limits opponents’ scoring drives, Rattler needs to protect the ball. Because of his ability to throw the ball downfield, he won’t hesitate to make some of the shots that New Orleans will need to win this game.
More Sports Betting
-
Oregon or Penn State? Our CFB picks for all 9 conference championship games
-
Will No. 1 Oregon roll past Washington? Plus, more rivalry predictions: Our Week 14 CFB picks
-
Will Indiana beat Ohio State? Can Oregon State upset Washington State? Our Week 13 CFB picks
-
bet365 bonus code ORL365 for Texans vs Cowboys: $150 bonus for Texans vs. Cowboys
-
Texans vs. Cowboys predictions, picks and best bets: Will Cowboys pass rush spark upset?
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
