The Denver Broncos (3-3) will take on the New Orleans Saints (2-4) this Thursday in a football game that marks Sean Payton’s return to the Crescent City. Payton, now the Broncos’ coach, led the Saints for 15 seasons and guided them to their only Super Bowl victory before stepping down in 2022.
While Payton’s homecoming adds intrigue, both he and Saints coach Dennis Allen have downplayed its impact on the game. The real focus is on which team can regain its footing after recent struggles.
Denver started the season 0-2 but rebounded with three straight wins. That streak ended Sunday when they managed just 60 first-half yards against the Los Angeles Chargers, falling short despite a late rally.
New Orleans began the year averaging 45.5 points in their first two games. Since then, they’ve lost four straight, with their scoring plummeting to 19 points per game.
The key question is which offense will break out of its slump. The Saints have converted 47% of their third downs, ranking third in the NFL. The Broncos, however, sit near the bottom at 25%.
Injuries complicate matters for New Orleans. Starting quarterback Derek Carr is out with an oblique injury, while top receiver Chris Olave is recovering from a concussion suffered in their loss to Tampa Bay. Rookie Spencer Rattler will start under center after completing 22 of 40 passes for one touchdown and two interceptions in his pro debut against the Buccaneers.
Denver will again turn to rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who has thrown five touchdowns and five interceptions in six games. He’ll face a Saints defense that has snagged 10 interceptions, second-most in the league.
Both teams’ offensive woes stem from various factors. The Broncos have struggled to establish a consistent running game, putting more pressure on their inexperienced quarterback. Their offensive line has also allowed 18 sacks, hindering their ability to sustain drives.
For the Saints, injuries have disrupted their offensive rhythm. Beyond Carr and Olave, running back Alvin Kamara missed the first three games due to suspension. The lack of continuity has made it difficult for New Orleans to replicate their early-season success.
Defensively, both teams have shown flashes of brilliance. The Saints’ secondary, led by safety Tyrann Mathieu, has been particularly opportunistic. The Broncos’ defense, while giving up big plays at times, has managed to keep games close, allowing their offense chances to rally.
Special teams could play a crucial role in what might be a low-scoring affair. Saints kicker Blake Grupe has been reliable, hitting 11 of 12 field goals this season. Broncos punter Riley Dixon has pinned opponents inside their 20-yard line on 40% of his kicks, potentially giving Denver an edge in field position battles.
The game also represents a homecoming for Broncos tight end Adam Trautman, who spent his first three NFL seasons with the Saints. His familiarity with the Superdome’s unique environment could prove valuable for Denver’s offense.
As both teams seek to turn their seasons around, this matchup carries playoff implications despite the early calendar date. A win for either side could serve as a springboard for a midseason resurgence.
Fans can catch the action live on Amazon Prime Video at 8:15 p.m. ET on Thursday. With Payton’s return, offensive struggles on both sides, and the potential for defensive fireworks, this primetime clash promises intrigue for even casual NFL observers.
In a league where fortunes can change quickly, both the Broncos and Saints view this game as an opportunity to rewrite the narrative of their seasons. Whether it’s Denver building on their recent improvements or New Orleans recapturing their early-season magic, Thursday night’s contest could mark a turning point for the victor.
