The Denver Broncos face off against the New Orleans Saints on Thursday, October 17, 2024, for what promises to be an intriguing matchup between two teams struggling to find consistency this season. Both the Broncos (3-3) and the Saints (2-4) are coming off divisional losses and looking to rebound as they approach the halfway point of the NFL season.

Game Context and Quarterback Matchup

This game will feature two rookie quarterbacks—Bo Nix for Denver and Spencer Rattler for New Orleans. Nix has been Denver’s starter since the beginning of the season, showing flashes of potential but also battling inconsistency. In Week 6, Nix struggled against the Los Angeles Chargers, completing only 57.6% of his passes for 216 yards in a 26-16 loss. While Nix has improved in some areas, his difficulty in consistently generating points has been a theme for the Broncos all season.

On the other side, Spencer Rattler is fresh off his first NFL start, filling in for the injured Derek Carr. Though Rattler led the Saints to 27 points in the second quarter of their Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his team was ultimately blown out 51-27. The Saints’ defense, once a reliable unit, was overwhelmed, allowing 277 yards on the ground and over 300 yards through the air.

Key Storylines

One of the big narratives is the return of Broncos’ head coach Sean Payton to New Orleans, where he coached the Saints for many years. This storyline adds extra drama to the game, especially given the teams’ current struggles.

The Saints are on a four-game losing streak, and their defense has been porous, especially in their Week 6 loss to Tampa Bay, where they allowed the most points (51) since 2012. Meanwhile, Denver had been riding a three-game win streak before falling to the Chargers, and they will be hoping to get back on track against a faltering Saints team.

Odds and Betting Insights

As of now, the betting line has shifted slightly by MyBookie Sportsbook in favor of the Saints +2.5, who are listed as point favorites at home. The total for the game is set at 37 points, reflecting expectations of a low-scoring affair given the inexperience of both quarterbacks. However, both teams have gone over this total in recent games, making the over a potential value pick for bettors.

Injury Report

New Orleans is still without veteran quarterback Derek Carr, which means Rattler will get the nod again. This injury situation puts additional pressure on the Saints’ defense to bounce back after being shredded in their last outing. On the Broncos’ side, the team has dealt with inconsistent offensive line play, which has impacted Nix’s ability to stay upright and make plays.

Projected Outcome

This game is likely to be close, given the rookie quarterbacks and both teams’ struggles on defense. The Broncos, despite their issues on offense, have shown more resilience in recent weeks, especially during their three-game winning streak. The Saints’ defense, while talented, has been vulnerable, particularly against the run, which could open opportunities for Denver’s ground game.

The deciding factor may come down to coaching, where Sean Payton has the edge over New Orleans’ Dennis Allen. Payton’s familiarity with the Saints and his ability to adapt in-game could tip the scales in Denver’s favor. Expect a tight contest with the Broncos potentially pulling out a narrow win, with a scoreline in the range of 20-17. b

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