Saints expected to start rookie QB against Broncos on 'Thursday Night Football'

Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton would never want this team to look past an opponent, so the Broncos are busy preparing for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Fans and pundits, however, have a tendency to look ahead.

After hosting the Chargers on Sunday, Payton’s squad will go on the road to face the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football four days later in Week 7. It’s looking like the Saints will be starting a rookie quarterback that night.

New Orleans starter Derek Carr has an oblique injury that is expected to force him to miss “multiple games,” including the game against Denver on Oct. 17. With Carr sidelined, the Saints have announced that fifth-round draft pick Spencer Rattler is set to start at quarterback this week.

Unless he plays terribly against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday and is benched in favor of Jake Haener, Rattler will also start against the Broncos next Thursday.

So next week’s TNF matchup is shaping up to be a battle of rookie quarterbacks: Bo Nix and Denver against Rattler and New Orleans.