The Broncos will travel to New Orleans to face the Saints at Caesars Superdome on Thursday, Oct. 17 at 6:15 p.m. MT.
MATCHUP
The Broncos will travel to New Orleans for a "Thursday Night Football" matchup with the Saints in Week 7. Denver will look to get back in the win column after Sunday's loss to the Chargers dropped the team to 3-3. Head Coach Sean Payton is set to return to New Orleans to face his former team for the first time in Denver's first prime-time matchup this season.
The Broncos' offense found a rhythm late in the second half of Sunday's loss, and the team should look to carry this momentum into Thursday. Quarterback Bo Nix had an impressive fourth-quarter performance in which he completed 15-of-19 passes for 189 yards, two touchdowns and a 143.2 passer rating. Nix should aim to build off this performance and could look to maintain his connection with rookie wide receiver Devaughn Vele, who led the team in receiving yards on Sunday. Nix could also look to distribute the ball to rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin, who recorded his first career touchdown reception in Week 6. Wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who leads the Broncos in receiving yards this season, could also be a key contributor.
Denver's defense has continued to show its potential to pressure quarterbacks this season, as the team's 22 sacks in 2024 ranks second in the NFL. The Broncos will look to be disruptive again in this week's matchup as they prepare to face rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, who will likely make his second career start on Thursday. Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, who recorded a sack in his fourth consecutive game on Sunday, could aim to extend this four-game streak on Thursday. Outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper, who leads Denver in sacks (4.5), should also aim to be disruptive in the matchup.
INJURY UPDATE
The Broncos ruled out cornerback Pat Surtain II (concussion) and tackle Alex Palczewski (ankle). Inside linebacker Justin Strnad (ribs) and cornerbacks Ja'Quan McMillian (ankle) and Riley Moss (hip) were not assigned game statuses, indicating they will be available to play in Thursday's game. Outside linebacker Baron Browning (foot) and tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee) were listed as questionable. Denver designated Browning and McGlinchey for return from injured reserve on Tuesday, and they are eligible to play on Thursday in New Orleans. For Browning or McGlinchey to play vs. the Saints, the Broncos must activate them to the 53-man roster. Cornerback Damarri Mathis (ankle), who was listed as questionable, is also eligible to be activated.
For New Orleans, wide receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee), guard Cesar Ruiz (knee) and linebacker Pete Werner (hamstring) were ruled out. Tight end Taysom Hill (rib) and quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) were listed as doubtful, while center/guard Lucas Patrick (chest) and defensive tackle Khalen Saunders (back) were listed as questionable.
HOW TO WATCH, LISTEN AND LIVE STREAM
WATCH NATIONALLY: Amazon Prime Video
Play-by-Play: Al Michaels
Analyst: Kirk Herbstreit
Sideline: Kaylee Hartung
WATCH LOCALLY: DENVER7
WATCH LOCALLY VIA STREAMING: NFL+
Stream prime-time games on mobile devices on NFL+.
An NFL+ subscription includes the ability to stream live local and prime-time games on mobile and tablet devices, access to NFL Network and live game audio (home, away and national calls) for every game of the season. NFL+ Premium subscriptions also include NFL RedZone and full-game replays across devices.
LISTEN NATIONALLY: Westwood One Sports
Play-by-Play: Kevin Kugler
Analyst: Ryan Harris
LISTEN LOCALLY: KOA – 850 AM/94.1 FM
Play-by-Play: Dave Logan
Analyst: Rick Lewis
Sideline: Susie Wargin
LISTEN OUT OF MARKET: SiriusXM
Listen on channel 225 or on the SXM app (siriusxm.us/BroncosSXM).
PERSONALIZE YOUR OPTIONS: Ways to Watch
Visit the NFL's game guide to input your zip code and figure out how you can watch Sunday's game in your area.
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
Follow the Broncos for live game-day updates, videos and behind-the-scenes photos:
Instagram: @Broncos
Twitter: @Broncos
Facebook: Denver Broncos
