NFL

Thursday Night Football Week 7: Broncos vs. Saints Picks, Predictions, & Best Player Prop Bets

Colin Lynch Sports Editor

Published2 hours ago on October 16, 2024

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Broncos vs. Saints features a matchup of two teams trying to get on the winning track as Sean Payton visits the organization he helped sculpt into a winner.

Few games in the 2024 NFL season narrative hold as much intrigue as the one now being dubbed the “Sean Payton Bowl.” Two rookie quarterbacks, including Bo Nix, will take center stage in a matchup that pits future potential against the harsh realities of a league that demands so much so quickly.

On one side, the New Orleans Saints—without their starting quarterback Derek Carr and likely missing key receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed—turn again to Spencer Rattler. It’s a moment for Rattler, a young quarterback thrust into the spotlight, tasked with leading his team without their veteran leader.

Across the field stands Bo Nix, a rookie with immense promise, ready to carve out his path in the NFL. For both quarterbacks, it’s not just another game—it’s an opportunity to make a statement, to show they belong. And for the Saints, it’s about finding a way, even when the odds seem stacked against them.

We’re fresh off a 3-0 sweep in last Thursday’s matchup between the 49ers and Seahawks.

Check out our Broncos vs Saints picks, predictions, and best player props.

Broncos vs. Saints Betting Preview

All Broncos vs. Saints odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Spread
Broncos -2.5
Moneyline
Broncos -145 | Saints +120
Over/Under
37
Game time
8:15 p.m. ET
Location
Superdome | New Orleans, LA
Predicted Weather at Kick
69 degrees, Partly Cloudy
How to Watch
Amazon Prime Video

Broncos vs. Saints Picks, Predictions, and Best Player Prop Bets

In the shadow of four consecutive losses, the New Orleans Saints face a crucial moment on Thursday Night Football. A team once filled with promise now finds itself searching for answers, coming off a humbling 51-27 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Conversely, the Denver Broncos enter the game fresh from a 23-16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers but with more hope, standing at 3-3 and 2-1 on the road this season.

For New Orleans, the challenge is compounded. Quarterback Derek Carr, still sidelined with an oblique injury, leaves the Saints without their leader. And with wide receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed also in doubt, the Saints are battling more than just their opponents—they’re fighting against the tide of a season slipping away.

The Broncos, meanwhile, have outscored their foes 112-96 this season, a testament to their grit and ability to hang tough in close games. But for the Saints, despite the setbacks, their firepower is undeniable. Even at 2-4, they’ve outscored their opponents 167-147 on the year.

That said, the Broncos’ defense makes them the play in this one. They’re good enough to get the stops, whereas the Saints’ defense looks lost against opposing offenses. While I like the Broncos, I’d also consider an over play.

Courtland Sutton – WR | Broncos – Over 44.5 Receiving Yards (-115)

Courtland Sutton has been Denver’s go-to receiver all season, leading the team with 47 targets—far ahead of the next closest, Williams, with 26. But despite that volume, it has only translated to 228 yards, averaging 46.2 per game.

This week, however, the stage feels set for Sutton to make an impact. The Saints have struggled against wide receivers, allowing the third-most yards (1,036) and fifth-most catches (86) in the league. Sutton has consistently hit big plays, notching a 20+ yard reception in each of the last five games. And now, he faces a New Orleans defense that’s given up 20 plays of 20+ yards—five of them going for 40 or more.

With his receiving prop set at just 44.5 yards, Sutton, who’s been Bo Nix’s first read 32% of the time, could be primed for a breakout. He lines up on the perimeter 88% of the time, an area where the Saints are allowing an average of 98 yards per game. This is a matchup where Sutton’s potential meets opportunity.

COURTLAND SUTTON, ARE YOU SERIOUS?! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/SAgCNEtcsa

— PFF (@PFF) October 13, 2024

Alvin Kamara – RB | Saints – Anytime TD Scorer (+100)

It’s hard to pass up even money for Alvin Kamara to score. Kamara has been the heartbeat of the Saints’ offense this season, racking up seven total touchdowns, two of which came through the air. With Chris Olave likely sidelined and Rashid Shaheed battling injury, Kamara’s role becomes even more crucial. I expect him to be highly involved in the passing game and would even consider looking at his receptions total or receiving yards prop. Kamara is getting 3.3 red zone rush attempts per game on average.

Against a Denver defense that has allowed an average of 92 rushing yards and over 4.5 catches per game to running backs, Kamara has every chance to find the end zone. Kamara is set to be the centerpiece of this Saints attack, whether on the ground or through the air.