Broncos @ Saints betting picks & predictions | NFL Thursday

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NFL Thursday: Broncos @ Saints preview

The New Orleans Saints will be looking to break a four-game losing streak when they face the Denver Broncos this Thursday night to kick off Week 7 of the 2024 NFL season.

Last Sunday, the Broncos went down to the Chargers by seven points at home, snapping a run of three straight wins. Denver went scoreless through the first three quarters, all while conceding the first 23 points of the game. Two late touchdowns and a field goal narrowed the margin, but the scoreline flattered the Broncos.

Sean Payton’s charges have already exceeded expectations to start the season, with rookie quarterback Bo Nix adjusting quickly to life in the NFL. Nix has thrown multiple touchdowns across the last two weeks and has reached over 200 passing yards in four of his last five games. As a result, Denver enter Week 7 as -131.58 favourites with top NFL bookmakers.

However, the Broncos have suffered a major blow with star cornerback Patrick Surtain II entering concussion protocols. Wide receiver Josh Reynolds (finger) and centre Luke Wattenberg (ankle) have been placed on injured reserve.

The Saints are also coming off a hefty defeat, going down to the Buccaneers 51-27 at home. With rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler making his first start, it was looking promising for New Orleans as they took a 27-24 lead into half-time. However, the offense couldn’t get going in the second half, and with Rattler throwing two interceptions, the margin blew out.

After starting the season 2-0, concerns have emerged for Saints coach Dennis Allen. While they rank fourth in the NFL for points scored, New Orleans have conceded an average of over 34 points per game over the last three weeks. With a few things to iron out, the Saints are slight underdogs at +110 with Bovada.

New Orleans also have an extensive injury list, headlined by wide receiver Chris Olave entering concussion protocols. Guard Cesar Ruiz (knee), centre Lucas Patrick (chest), linebacker Pete Warner (hamstring) and wide receiver Rashid Shaheed did not participate in practice during the week, but the versatile Taysom Hill looks set to return from a rib injury.

Broncos @ Saints betting strategy

Despite their loss last week, the Broncos head into this game as rightful favourites. Their defensive unit is much stronger than the Saints’, while their rookie quarterback is continuing to improve each week. With New Orleans fielding a backup signal-caller, get on Denver to cover the line of -2 at -111.11 with leading NFL betting sites.

Given New Orleans’ recent defensive performances, expect another high-scoring affair. Four of their six games this season have gone over the total points line, while the last two Broncos games have also cleared the line. With top US football bookies setting the mark at just 37 points, take the over at [rm_geo_odd val=1.9].

With three rushing touchdowns already this season, Bo Nix has shown that scrambling is one of his best traits. He is averaging 30 rushing yards per game, and with Denver lacking a strong running back, he has been used as the primary option in short yardage situations. At +250 with major online sportsbooks, Nix offers great value to find the endzone once again.

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