NFL Week 6 kicks off with a big storyline on Thursday Night Football. Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos head to New Orleans. This will be the first time Payton returns to take on his former team. The Broncos are coming off a home loss against the Chargers. Meanwhile, the Saints allowed 51 points to the Buccaneers in Week 6. Now on a short week can both teams make the necessary adjustments? Below are my preview and predictions for the Broncos at Saints.
The New Orleans Saints come into this game decimated by injuries. First, the Saints are already without their starting quarterback Derek Carr, and now more than likely without their top two wide receivers. Chris Olave left Sunday’s game with a concussion, and I fully expect him to be out for a short week. Additionally, Rashid Shaheed injured his knee in the fourth quarter of their Week 6 matchup.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos will be without their top cornerback Patrick Surtain II due to a concussion. Outside of the Surtain injury the Broncos come into this game healthy. Sean Payton will be out for “revenge” against his former team.
Broncos at Saints Preview and Predictions
Best Bets
Typically as the season progresses we see the home team have the advantage in the Thursday Night Football game, short week at home, no travel. But the injury concerns are huge for the New Orleans Saints, especially for a rookie quarterback who won’t have his top two wide receivers. Does this mean the offensive load will be on Alvin Kamara? The Saints will need to have a short memory after giving 51 points in their Week 6 matchup against the Buccaneers.
Meanwhile, the Broncos have been a difficult team to handicap. The defense is playing at an elite level, but Bo Nix’s inconsistencies are certainly a concern. However, the Broncos on the road this season are a 3-0 ATS and 2-1 SU. In the history of Thursday Night Football games, home underdogs who are playing in non-conference games are 8-25 (24.2%) SU and 12-20-1 (37.5%). I believe the injuries will be too much to overcome for the Saints.
Best Bet: Broncos -2
Player Prop Best Bet
Bo Nix To Throw An Interception -135
If the New Orleans Saints want to stay competitive this game it will have to be with the defense. After giving up 51 points last week I would expect a better performance from the defense. In fact, this season, the Saints have intercepted every quarterback they have faced this season including three games where the Saints had multiple interceptions.
