Broncos' matchup versus Saints marks pivotal point in 2024 season

Good morning, Broncos Country.

After reeling off three victories in a row, the Denver Broncos fell back down to earth with an uninspiring performance against the Los Angeles Chargers . Instead of seizing the moment and getting themselves to 4-2 overall, the Broncos fell backwards in a competitive AFC and dropped to 3-3 on the year.

Tonight's affair on Thursday Night Football will be an emotional homecoming for Head Coach Sean Payton who heads back to the Bayou to take on the New Orleans Saints franchise he coached for fifteen seasons. But it's more than that—it's a pivotal moment in Denver's season—a crossroads if you will. In my opinion, a make-or-break game that will have profound implications leading up to the most grueling part of their schedule.

A road victory, which would be their third of the season, would provide the team with inspiration and confidence leading into next weekend's matchup against the Carolina Panthers . But if they were to lose, you might hear some panic and early curtain calls on their playoff prospects the rest of the way out.

Truth be told, the Broncos being a .500 team given their youthful roster, a rookie quarterback, a record amount of dead cap space, and injuries is better than most could have hoped for expected. Nevertheless, I'm hoping to see demonstrable improvement in the Broncos' offensive efficiency and production against the Saints.

Playing on a short week and rebounding with a victory isn't easy, but quality teams find a way to do it. Both teams are banged up, but the Saints could have more than half a dozen starters out for tonight's game. Overall, I think it's a game "on paper" that the Broncos should be able to win.

But games aren't played on paper. They're played on the gridiron. I believe this game will tell us a lot about the heart and character the '24 Broncos have. Moreover, what direction we can expect them to go as the second half of the season approaches. My prediction? I've got them winning by a field goal late in the fourth quarter and getting to 4-3 on the season.

What do you all think? Is this just another game or does it potentially have more implications and meaning than most? Sound off in the comments section and let me know your thoughts.

As always—thank you for reading. Here is today's slate of s for Horse Tracks.

Broncos News & Tidbits

Injury Report: CB Pat Surtain II ruled out, T Mike McGlinchey and OLB Baron Browning among players questionable for Week 7 vs. Saints Baron Browning, Mike McGlinchey and Damarri Mathis are all listed as questionable for the game.

Denver Broncos at New Orleans Saints: Predictions, picks, odds Predictions and picks for the 2024 NFL Week 7 matchup between the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos.

Broncos Trade Pitch Lands Titans' Calvin Ridley This Heavy Sports trade proposal aims to land a disgruntled former first-round pick to elevate Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos' passing game.

Denver Broncos news: LB Kristian Welch joins Baltimore Ravens A linebacker who was recently cut by the Broncos has decided to join the Ravens.

NFL News & Tidbits

RB Index, Week 7: Running back reunions that would make sense before NFL's Nov. 5 trade deadline Davante Adams just reunited with Aaron Rodgers, while Cam Akers headed back to Minnesota. With the trade deadline approaching, Maurice Jones-Drew identifies hypothetical reunions for four running backs. Plus, MJD updates his ranking of the top 15 RBs in 2

Davante Adams 'happy' to be on Jets after trade from Raiders: 'Everybody can kinda move on' Davante Adams on Wednesday talked to reporters about his trade from the Las Vegas Raiders to the New York Jets .