Thursday Night Football Odds, Betting Preview (Oct. 17): Broncos vs. Saints Predictions

New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs the ball during the NFL game between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons on September 29th, 2024 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

In what has already been a drama-filled start to Week 7 of the NFL season, we’ve got a big matchup in store for us between the Denver Broncos (3-3) and. New Orleans Saints (2-4).

Bet on Broncos vs. Saints

DEN -2.5
NO +2.5

In a battle between two playoff hopefuls, this primetime collision course could shape the future of their 2024 seasons.

The Broncos have been one of the biggest surprises so far this season, having pulled off several upset victories over the likes of the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With the potential to make a run toward the NFL playoffs, the Broncos will need to take down a threat from the NFC South on Thursday Night Football.

Looking to get back on track after dropping four straight games, the Saints have been shellacked with adversity as of late. While they began their 2024 season hot out the gates, the Saints have since cooled off due to lacklustre play coupled with injuries to key players. If they want to keep their playoff dreams alive, a win on Thursday Night Football is a must.

With such high stakes for both squads in Thursday’s clash, why not take them even higher by placing a bet on the latest Thursday Night Football odds? Below we’ve provided expert picks, predictions, and notable betting trends to help you craft your next winning wager.

Get some skin in on this primetime matchup and take the excitement of Thursday Night Football to the next level with our Broncos vs. Saints betting preview.

Broncos Moneyline Odds-150
Saints Moneyline Odds+125
Spread oddsBroncos -2.5 (+100), Saints +2.5 (-125)
Over/Under36.5 points (over -125, under +100)
Time/DateOct. 17, 8:15 p.m. ET
TVBroadcast: TSN/DAZN

All odds courtesy of BetVictor Canada

Betting the Denver Broncos (3-3 SU, 4-2 ATS, 3-3 o/u)

Having been one of the most reliable teams to bet on throughout the first six weeks of the season, the Broncos have shockingly been a moneymaker in 2024. Sporting a positive record against the spread, as well as earning two wins straight-up as an underdog, the Broncos have been a solid team to back this season.

Led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix, the Broncos have shown grit and perseverance, an unmeasurable quality that can jumpstart a team’s success amidst a rebuilding season. Looking to continue building momentum as they aim to surpass a .500 record, the Broncos will want to play spoiler once again as they head to the Caesars Superdome.

Betting the New Orleans Saints (2-4 SU, 3-3 ATS, 4-2 o/u)

After entering the 2024 season as the favourites to win the NFC South, the Saints are now looking down the barrel of five consecutive losses. While they looked like potential Super Bowl contenders after sensational showings against the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys, they’ve since hit a wall and have failed to gain back the momentum lost.

The Saints have been unreliable as a moneyline pick, but have been average against the spread sporting a 50% cover rate. Where the Saints have truly thrived this season, however, is in betting the Over. Having exceeded the projected line of total points four times this season, the Saints have been no strangers to high-scoring contests in 2024.

With starting quarterback Derek Carr now sidelined, things have gone from bad to worse for the Saints. In desperate need of a win, the Saints will have to give it their all in order to secure the win on Thursday Night Football as they look to start clawing their way back into playoff contention.

Betting Mismatch

A premier running back in the NFL, look for Saints star running back Alvin Kamara to take matters into his own hands, rushing for Over 71 yards against the Broncos on Thursday Night Football.

Possessing tremendous speed, cat-like agility, and a downhill running ability that allows him to truck through tacklers, Kamara is the total package. Facing off against a Broncos defence that struggled to contain the run in Week 6 against the Los Angeles Chargers, expect to see the Saints star easily chew up yardage throughout this primetime tilt.

Having already rushed for Over 71 yards four times this season, Kamara has proven he can easily surpass the mark set by oddsmakers. Additionally, Kamara currently averages 71.3 rushing yards per game, making this total easily hittable for the stud running back.

Bank on Kamara to eclipse 71 rushing yards against the Broncos as he looks to lead the way for his team’s struggling offence on Thursday Night Football.

Alvin Kamara Over 71 Rushing Yards

-118

Key Injuries

The Broncos enter Week 7 with a few injury concerns. CB Pat Surtain II (concussion) and T Alex Palczewski have been ruled out, and three others players have a questionable tag.

As for the Saints, their injury report is a complete mess, listing 18 players with various designations. Some of the key injuries include: QB Derek Carr (oblique – doubtful), WR Rashid Shaheed (knee – out), WR Chris Olave (concussion – out), TE Taysom Hill (rib – doubtful).

Weather

No need to worry about the weather on Thursday Night Football as the matchup will be taking place from the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. As it says in the name, the Superdome is in fact, a dome.

  • In 2024, the Broncos are currently 2-0 against the spread in non-conference games.
  • Since 2022, the Broncos are 5-14 straight-up when on the road.
  • The Saints have averaged 52.3 total points per game in their 2024 matchups. The point total for the Broncos vs. Saints is set at 36.5.
  • Since 2022, the Saints are 1-5 against the spread as home underdogs.
  • Bo Nix has thrown Over 1.5 passing touchdowns in back-to-back games. His passing touchdown line is currently priced at +110 to throw more than one passing touchdown.
  • Having averaged 35.5 rushing yards per game this season, Broncos running back Javonte Williams currently has his rushing yard line set at 45.5. He has finished with Under this projected total in four of his six appearances this season.
  • After throwing two interceptions in his NFL debut in Week 6, Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler has his line set at -137 to throw at least one pick against the Broncos.
  • Having scored four rushing touchdowns in six games played this season, including in two of his last three games, Kamara has his line set at +115 to hit paydirt on the ground.

Broncos vs. Saints Predictions

  • Entering into Thursday Night Football as an underdog, back the Saints to defend home turf as they pull off the upset victory against the Broncos. While the Broncos have outperformed expectations to start the season, the Saints are equipped to shutdown the game plan of the Broncos. Sporting one of the best defences in the NFL, the Saints excel at stopping the run, forcing opposing teams to try their luck at passing against their solid secondary. Facing a Broncos team that has had little to no success moving the ball through the air this season, expect to see them struggle to keep up with the big time playmakers on the side of the Saints. Hammer the underdog Saints on the moneyline and kick off Week 7 with a juicy payday on Thursday Night Football.
  • In a showdown between two banged-up teams, look for their to be a slow, methodical pace on Thursday Night Football, leading to a low final score. With the Broncos excelling at making every game they take part in ugly, this is sure to be no different as the Saints continue to navigate through a midseason quarterback change. As both sides look to keep things simple with short passes and rushing attempts, look for points to come at a premium as Under 36.5 total points are scored Thursday evening.