The Denver Gazette's predictions for Broncos-Saints

The Denver Gazette sports staff predicts Thursday's Broncos-Saints game in New Orleans:

Paul Klee's pick: Saints 22, Broncos 20

Let's not forget the Broncos gave the Saints a 2023 first-round draft pick in exchange for the rights to Sean Payton. Please, do tell: Isn't a game against 2-4 New Orleans when the hefty price tag for Payton should begin to pay off?

Klee's record: 3-3 overall

Chris Schmaedeke's pick: Broncos 20, Saints 16

The Broncos are a road favorite which probably says more about the Saints than Denver. Coach Sean Payton knows how to use the fast track in New Orleans and will finally call some big plays for his speedy, young receivers.

Schmaedeke's record: 3-3 overall

Chris Tomasson's pick: Saints 18, Broncos 17

The Broncos' offense has struggled enough when they have a full week to prepare. In Thursday games the past three seasons, Denver has averaged 10.3 points. The battle between rookie quarterbacks Bo Nix of the Broncos and Spencer Rattler of the Saints will be close if not spectacular. If you're a betting person, take the under.

Tomasson's record: 3-3 overall

Mark Kiszla's pick: Broncos 20, Saints 13

Nawlins owes the man a gift of enteral thanks ... or at least a W in his return to town. Who dat? Sean Payton, dat who.

Kiszla's record: 1-5 overall

Kyle Fredrickson's pick: Saints 30, Broncos 16

The loss of cornerback Pat Surtain removes the "elite" label from this Broncos defense, at least until he returns from a concussion. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix will play from behind and force some bad plays to catch up. It's gonna be (real) loud in the Superdome, too.

Fredrickson: 3-3 overall