NFL Week 7 Preview: Broncos vs. Saints

Week 7 of the NFL season kicks off with a much-anticipated Thursday night matchup between the Denver Broncos and the New Orleans Saints. Both teams are looking to rebound from less-than-stellar starts to the season. The game is particularly significant for Denver’s head coach, Sean Payton, who is making his return to New Orleans, where he served as head coach for 15 years.

Denver’s hopes to build on a recent winning streak were dashed with a close defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers, leaving their record at an even 3-3. Meanwhile, the Saints are in the midst of a slump, having lost four consecutive games after their initial victory against the Dallas Cowboys.

The quarterback position will be under a spotlight as both teams are expected to start rookies. The New Orleans Saints might be without their starting QB Derek Carr due to an oblique injury, paving the way for Spencer Rattler to make an appearance. Denver will look to maintain confidence in their rookie quarterback against a Saints team challenged by injuries.

Odds-makers have set the Broncos as a 2.5-point favorite on the road. The game’s expected low score, with an over-under set at 37 points, reflects the anticipated defensive grind, as reported by BetMGM Sportsbook.

The Saints have dealt with a spate of injuries, sidelining key players like wide receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, who will undergo meniscus surgery, guard Cesar Ruiz, and linebacker Pete Werner. Conversely, the Broncos will be without cornerback Pat Surtain II, who is in concussion protocol, and offensive tackle Alex Palczewski, sidelined due to an ankle injury.

Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit are set to call the game, with Kaylee Hartung reporting from the sidelines at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The matchup will be streamed live on Amazon Prime, with kickoff scheduled for 6:15 p.m. Mountain Time (7:15 p.m. Central Time).

Despite the Saints’ home disadvantage in Thursday night games, having lost five straight at home without covering the spread, predictions from some analysts such as Bill Speros suggest the Broncos will edge out a 20-17 victory. However, others, based on statistical simulations, believe the Saints hold a 63% chance of winning, quoting a model that gives Denver a 37% win probability.