Parker Parker Gabriel, beat writer:
Saints 20, Broncos 17

Denver is a road favorite. New Orleans is without its top two receivers and gave up 51 points Sunday to Tampa Bay. This is a game Denver should win. It’s going to be a live wire crowd in Sean Payton’s return to the Superdome, though. He knows all about what that environment can do for the home team and on this night, that prevails.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer:
Broncos Ryan 24, Saints 14

McFadden The Broncos should win this game, right? The Saints have lost four straight while the offense is missing a couple of key pieces. The Broncos should play up-tempo, score points early and let the defense carry them to victory. However, it’s prime time and we are uncertain how Bo Nix will meet the moment.

Troy Troy Renck, Renck columnist:
Broncos 24, Saints 20

For the better part of eight years, the Broncos have been a get-right game for opponents. Just like with Sean Payton on the visiting sideline, the script has been flipped. If the Broncos offense stinks, it is time to sound the alarm. Given Payton’s knowledge of Dennis Allen’s scheme, I expect the Broncos to start fast and hang on.

Matt Matt Schubert, Schubert sports editor:
Saints 20, Broncos 19

Thursday Night Football can get weird. Especially when it’s accompanied by the sort of drama attached to this one. By most accounts, the Broncos are the better, less injury-depleted team. Their rookie quarterback has seen more NFL defenses than the other guys’ rookie quarterback. And yet this one feels off.