The Denver Broncos will travel to the Caesars Superdome for a Week 7 Thursday Night Football matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The Broncos, coming off a tough loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, are looking to improve their 3-3 record and gain momentum heading into the second half of the season. This game marks a special occasion as Head Coach Sean Payton faces his former team for the first time since joining the Broncos.
Broncos Offensive Outlook
The Broncos offense showed promising signs in the latter part of their Week 6 game, particularly quarterback Bo Nix. Nix had a stellar fourth-quarter performance, completing 15 of 19 passes for 189 yards, two touchdowns, and an impressive 143.2 passer rating. The Broncos will be hoping to capitalize on this late-game momentum against the Saints.
Key offensive weapons for the Broncos include rookie wide receiver Devaughn Vele, who led the team in receiving yards in Week 6, and fellow rookie Troy Franklin, who scored his first NFL touchdown. Veteran wide receiver Courtland Sutton, the team’s leading receiver in terms of yardage this season, will continue to be a crucial target for Nix.
Defensive Pressure a Key for Denver
The Broncos’ defense has consistently applied pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season, amassing 22 sacks, a figure that ranks second in the NFL. This defensive strength will be vital against a Saints team likely to start rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, who is poised to make only his second career start.
Key defensive players to watch include outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, who is riding a four-game sack streak, and Jonathon Cooper, the team’s sack leader with 4.5. Their ability to disrupt Rattler’s rhythm will be critical to the Broncos’ success.
Injury Report Presents Challenges
The Broncos will be without cornerback Pat Surtain II (concussion) and tackle Alex Palczewski (ankle) for this crucial matchup. The status of several other players, including inside linebacker Justin Strnad (ribs) and cornerbacks Ja’Quan McMillian (ankle) and Riley Moss (hip), remains uncertain.
Adding to the complexity, outside linebacker Baron Browning (foot) and tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee) are listed as questionable. Both players were designated for return from injured reserve, but their activation to the 53-man roster remains to be confirmed. Similarly, cornerback Damarri Mathis (ankle) is eligible to be activated.
Sean Payton’s Return to New Orleans
This game holds added significance as Sean Payton returns to New Orleans, where he achieved legendary status as the Saints’ head coach. This highly anticipated reunion adds an intriguing layer to an already important game. Payton’s insights into his former team could be a decisive factor in the outcome.
How to Watch the Game
Nationally:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Play-by-Play: Al Michaels
- Analyst: Kirk Herbstreit
- Sideline: Kaylee Hartung
Locally:
- DENVER7
Streaming:
- NFL+
- Stream prime-time games on mobile devices.
Radio:
Nationally: Westwood One Sports
- Play-by-Play: Kevin Kugler
- Analyst: Ryan Harris
Locally: KOA – 850 AM/94.1 FM
- Play-by-Play: Dave Logan
- Analyst: Rick Lewis
- Sideline: Susie Wargin
Out of Market: SiriusXM
- Channel 225 or the SXM app
The game kicks off at 6:15 p.m. MT. Be sure to tune in and witness this pivotal matchup between the Denver Broncos and the New Orleans Saints!
