Saints vs. Broncos Expert Predictions for Thursday Night Football Week 7

Week 7 of the 2024 NFL season begins with a showdown between the AFC and NFC.

The 3-3 Denver Broncos travel to New Orleans to take on the 2-4 Saints in a battle of rookie quarterbacks. The Broncos have first-round pick Bo Nix at the helm for the seventh straight season, while the Saints have fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler starting his second straight game while starter Derek Carr continues to battle an oblique injury.

More news: Saints wide receiver has knee surgery and could miss the season

The Broncos go into this matchup having lost to the Los Angeles Chargers, but have previously won three in a row. The Saints, on the other hand, have lost four games in a row after opening the season 0-2.

Will the Saints finally get their season back on track or will the Broncos continue to exceed expectations with Nix? The staff at Newsweek Sports has her predictions.

Noah Camras: The Saints are hampered by injuries with Carr, Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave all out. However, the Broncos have stayed afloat thanks to their defense, which is without superstar cornerback Pat Surtain. Rattler will rely on running back Alvin Kamara and the Saints defense will win the low-scoring battle to get a much-needed victory and the first of Rattler’s career.

Prediction: Saints 20, Broncos 16

Matt Levine: The Saints have lost four straight games in this competition. Spencer Rattler is once again the focal point for them and could have a tough time with Denver’s defense. The Broncos lost a tough game last week, but found redemption in the Superdome this time.

Prediction: Broncos 31, Saints 28

Ricardo Sandoval: The New Orleans Saints defense is by far its worst performance of the season. They gave up 51 points to the division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but this time they face a less explosive offense in the Denver Broncos. With the Saints’ home crowd on their side – and a rookie quarterback in prime time – the Saints should take advantage and pick up their third win of the season.

Prediction: Saints 17, Broncos 13

Jeremy Hanna: The Broncos have one of the best defenses in the NFL and Bo Nix has continued to improve each game. I have no doubt that Denver will win here.

Prediction: Broncos 34, Saints 13

James Brizuela: The Saints have lost their two best receivers in Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Taysom Hill is also dealing with broken ribs. Spencer Rattler is also too big of a question mark. Even though the Broncos are struggling, Bo Nix appears to be starting to get things under control. It will be close, but we can expect Denver to win.

Prediction: Broncos 24, Saints 21