“It’s now or never.” That was the urgent message Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu posted on Tuesday from his X (formerly Twitter) account. The Saints find themselves in dire need of a win after suffering one of the worst defeats in franchise history—a crushing 51-27 loss to division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In that humiliating defeat, New Orleans’ defense allowed a team-record 594 yards of offense, with Tampa Bay racking up 277 rushing yards—the 10th most ever surrendered by the Saints. The loss marked their fourth straight in the 2024 season, leaving New Orleans desperate to reverse their fortunes. But this week’s matchup adds another layer of intensity as they face their former head coach, Sean Payton, who now leads the Denver Broncos. Here’s our Broncos vs. Saints Thursday Night Football game preview, scouting report, and score prediction.
Broncos Scouting Report
Head Coach: Sean Payton
Quarterback: Bo Nix
The Denver Broncos, under the leadership of Sean Payton in his second season, are trending in the right direction. With a 3-3 record, they remain in the thick of the AFC postseason race as October draws close.
However, it’s too early to crown them as a serious contender in the AFC West or the conference. The Broncos have shown promise but still lack consistency on offense. Payton’s offense, once the hallmark of his tenure with the New Orleans Saints, has yet to find its footing in Denver. A key factor has been the adjustment to rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who is still growing into the role of field general. Right now, Nix is more of a game manager than a playmaker, tasked with limiting mistakes while the offense remains a work in progress.
As Nix gains more experience and familiarity with Payton’s system, expect to see more of his athleticism and decision-making on display. But for now, Denver’s offense is far from the explosive unit we saw during Payton’s peak years in New Orleans. Statistically, Denver’s offense ranks near the bottom of the league in key categories like points per game, passing yards, and total offense. While they’ve found ways to move the ball at times, their inability to generate consistent scoring drives has held them back. This is where Denver’s defense becomes critical to their success.
The Defense Carries the Load
If Denver’s offense is struggling, their defense is the exact opposite—it’s the team’s backbone. The Broncos’ defense has given every opponent fits this season, particularly excelling against the pass. They allow just 170.2 passing yards per game, one of the best marks in the league. This unit has been relentless, with a disciplined front four that can generate pressure without blitzing, making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.
Thursday night’s game against the Saints presents a prime opportunity for Denver’s defense to shine. The Saints’ offense is battered and bruised, missing key players like Derek Carr, Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and possibly Taysom Hill. With the Saints’ offensive line down to their third-string center and a rookie quarterback in Spencer Rattler under center, the Broncos defense will likely dominate the trenches and force Rattler into uncomfortable situations.
Key Defensive Matchups
Pass Rush: Denver’s defensive line, led by players like Zach Allen and Nick Benito, will be critical in pressuring Rattler, who was sacked five times last week. Expect them to exploit the Saints’ weakened offensive line and prevent Rattler from getting comfortable.
Secondary Play: Even without star cornerback Patrick Surtain, Denver’s secondary remains formidable. Jaquan McMillan and P.J. Locke have stepped up in Surtain’s absence, and they’ll look to contain Alvin Kamara in the passing game while shutting down New Orleans’ depleted receiving corps.
Ultimately, this game could turn into a defensive clinic for the Broncos, especially if their offense struggles to gain traction. Denver’s defense has proven to be their most reliable unit, and against an injury-riddled Saints team, they have a strong chance to control the tempo and keep the game within reach for their offense.
Key Matchup to Watch: Broncos Secondary vs. Saints Rookie Wide Receivers
With key playmakers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed sidelined due to injuries, the Saints’ passing attack will rely heavily on rookies Bub Means and Mason Tipton in Thursday’s matchup. ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported that Shaheed will undergo knee surgery and could miss the remainder of the season, making his return unlikely. Olave is also out, leaving Spencer Rattler to develop chemistry with a relatively unproven receiving corp.
The spotlight now shifts to Bub Means, who is coming off a solid performance in Week 6, recording five catches for 45 yards and a touchdown against the Buccaneers. Mason Tipton, another rookie, will also see an increased role as the Saints’ receiving depth is tested. How these rookies handle the pressure will be crucial to New Orleans’ offensive success. For the Broncos, even with star cornerback Patrick Surtain likely out, their secondary has remained formidable. Players like Ja’Quan McMillian and P.J. Locke have stepped up, providing solid coverage and playmaking ability. Denver’s defense has been particularly strong against the pass this season, allowing only 170.2 yards per game through the air. They’ll look to pressure rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler while limiting explosive plays from Means and Tipton.
This matchup will be pivotal: if Denver’s secondary can lock down New Orleans’ rookie wideouts and force Rattler into quick, low-risk throws, it will make it difficult for the Saints to move the ball and sustain drives. However, if Means and Tipton can rise to the occasion and create separation, it could open up the Saints’ offense and keep the game competitive.
Score Prediction
The Saints’ offensive struggles, depleted offensive line, and injuries to key players make it difficult to envision them keeping pace with the Broncos. Spencer Rattler has potential, but he’s still a rookie playing behind a patchwork line against one of the league’s top defenses. Bo Nix will be a key factor for Denver, both through the air and on the ground. Sean Payton’s familiarity with the Saints’ defense gives him a strategic advantage, and Denver’s ability to generate pressure without blitzing will be too much for Rattler to handle. Look for the Broncos to grind out a tough win on the road, 21-17.
