Saints (8-2) at Broncos (4-6)
Sunday, 4:05 ET, Empower Field at Mile High, Denver TV: Fox
Danny Sheridan’s line: Saints by 6
Saints’ keys to victory: Without three starting defensive linemen the last three weeks, the Broncos struggled to stop the run. DE Shelby Harris should be back, but defending the run could remain an area of concern. Whether it’s Taysom Hill or Jameis Winston at quarterback shouldn’t make much difference – the Saints will want to run the ball often, featuring RBs Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray.
Broncos’ keys to victory: The Saints won’t have QB Drew Brees for at least one more week, so Denver knows New Orleans will focus on running the ball. The Broncos should stack the box in an effort to slow Kamara and Hill. On offense, QB Drew Lock needs to protect the football and allow his weapons to make plays. Lock has turned the ball over 12 times in eight games. Lock needs to get the ball out quickly, allowing WR Jerry Jeudy and TE Noah Fant to do most of their work after the catch.
Matchup to watch: Broncos LT Garett Bolles vs. Saints DEs Trey Hendrickson and Cameron Jordan. Depending on how New Orleans rotates the defensive line, Bolles could match up against either of these edge defenders. Hendrickson and Jordan have combined for 15 sacks.
Who wins? Even without Brees, the Saints have enough talent to take care of business on the road. Denver does have an advantage playing a mile above sea level, but there won’t be any fans in the stands because of COVID-19 restrictions. New Orleans will look to break a five-game losing streak to the Broncos that dates to 1994.
Saints 27-21