Saints vs. Broncos Prediction, Pick Against the Spread and Latest Odds for TNF
Denver Broncos vs. New Orleans Saints prediction and pick ahead of this week's Thursday Night Football matchup between the two sides. Can the Broncos take down Spencer Rattler and the Saints? Handicapper Matt McCuen gives us his prediction for this one.
Matt McCuen - October 17, 2024, 11:48 AM EDT
3 minSaints vs. Broncos Prediction, Pick Against the Spread and Latest Odds for TNF
The Denver Broncos and the New Orleans Saints will meet from the Big Easy on Thursday Night Football.
Denver comes into the contest with a record of 3-3 on the young season. The Broncos are coming off a poor performance against the Los Angeles Chargers last weekend.
Denver was expected to be among the worst teams in football entering the year. After a couple of disappointing seasons, Denver traded veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In the draft, Denver selected former Auburn/ Oregon standout Bo Nix in the first round. Nix was not expected to be the starter in Week 1, but won the starting role in training camp.
The Broncos opened the season with a pair of losses but have bounced back nicely. Sean Payton’s squad had won three consecutive games before losing Sunday against the Chargers.
Denver Broncos vs. New Orleans Saints Date, Time, and Where To Watch
- Date: October 17, 2024
- Time: 8:15 pm ET
- Where To Watch: Amazon Prime
Denver Broncos vs. New Orleans Saints Odds
The Saints come into this matchup as a slight field-goal underdog, largely due to operating with a backup quarterback. Spencer Rattler and the Saints are home dogs again after getting blown out by Tampa Bay in a mistake-filled performance. They are taking on a less functional offense in Bo Nix and Denver, but they face a stronger defense. The total is down to 36.5 in this Thursday Night Football battle thanks to two rookie quarterbacks and two usually solid defenses.
Denver Broncos vs. New Orleans Saints Prediction
Nix leads the Broncos' offense with 1,082 passing yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Javonte Williams leads the rushing attack, collecting 213 yards on the year.
Courtland Sutton has been the top option in the passing game with 277 yards and two touchdowns.
Denver ranks 4th in points allowed per game (16.0).
New Orleans begins the contest with a record of 2-4.
After a strong 2-0 start to the season, the Saints have lost four consecutive games, the longest losing streak in football. In Weeks 1 and 2 the Saints looked unstoppable, averaging 45.5 points per game.
To make matters worse, starting quarterback Derek Carr was injured in their Week 5 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. The injury has forced rookie signal caller Spencer Rattler into action. Rattler, who was a former five-star recruit, will make his second career start tonight.
This game feels like a must-win for the Saints to stay competitive in the NFC. Rattler threw for 243 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions last weekend.
Alvin Kamara leads the ground game with 428 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
The Saints will be without their top two receivers, Rashid Shaneed and Chris Olave, tonight. Former Pitt standout Bub Means is expected to be the team's top option in the passing game.
New Orleans ranks 23rd in points allowed per game (24.5).
Denver Broncos vs. New Orleans Saints Pick
- Pick: New Orleans Saints +3 -110 (Click here for the latest Broncos vs. Saints odds)
After a historic week for the public in week six, we will see underdogs eat this week.
That starts tonight with a Saints cover at home.
Tonight is a tricky spot for a rookie quarterback on the road playing in one of the most hostile atmospheres in football.
Nix will struggle tonight against a Saints defense much better than their numbers indicate.
Rattler and the Saints offense will do enough to earn a cover for us tonight.
