Folks, buckle up, because we’re headin’ to the Caesars Superdome for a Saturday showdown that’s gonna light up New Orleans like a Mardi Gras parade! It’s the Denver Broncos takin’ on the New Orleans Saints, August 23, 2025, kickin’ off at 1:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. CT) on KTVD in Denver, with NFL Network airin’ it live in Los Angeles and Cleveland markets and re-airin’ at 11:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, August 24. The Broncos are rollin’ in at 2-0, fresh off wins over the 49ers and Cardinals, while the Saints are 0-1-1, still searchin’ for their first win after a loss to the Chargers and a tie with the Jaguars. This ain’t about the superstars – Bo Nix, Spencer Rattler, and the big names are likely watchin’ from the sidelines – it’s about those roster hopefuls, the bubble guys, fightin’ like it’s fourth-and-goal for a spot on that 53-man roster. Boom! That’s the heart of this preseason finale – raw hustle, big plays, and a few surprises that could echo into Week 1. Let’s break it down like we’re callin’ it from the booth, with that Troy Aikman precision and John Madden passion.
Broncos’ Side: Denver’s Depth Firin’ on All Cylinders
The Broncos are comin’ in hot under Sean Payton, lookin’ to cap a perfect preseason. They kicked off with a 30-9 rout of the 49ers in Week 1, showin’ off a balanced attack. Last week’s 27-7 smackdown of the Cardinals at Empower Field was a masterclass – backup QB Jarrett Stidham’s been lights-out, goin’ 30-for-38 for 376 yards and four TDs across 3½ quarters this preseason. With Nix locked in as the Week 1 starter and likely restin’, it’s Stidham, Zach Wilson, and maybe rookie Tyler Shough slingin’ it, battlin’ for the backup job.
What’s got me fired up is the receiver and edge rusher battles. Second-year WR Troy Franklin’s been a revelation, haulin’ in seven catches for 82 yards and two TDs, with Payton praisin’ his route-runnin’ and blockin’ against Arizona. He’s fightin’ for a bigger role despite the trade of Devaughn Vele to the Saints. On the edge, OLB Jonah Elliss was a one-man wreckin’ crew last week, and with Nik Bonitto and Jonathan Cooper set, he’s pushin’ for depth snaps. The Broncos’ defense has been stingy, allowin’ just 16 points total in two games, rankin’ third in points allowed last season. No major injuries reported, but RB Blake Watson’s pushin’ for a roster spot with a strong camp. Special teams could be huge – Wil Lutz, who spent 2016-22 with the Saints, is automatic, and a big return from Marvin Mims Jr. might spark the road squad. Denver’s got momentum and a chip on their shoulder facin’ Payton’s old team.
Saints’ Side: New Orleans’ QB Quest
The Saints are still findin’ their rhythm under new head coach Kellen Moore, with a quarterback competition that’s hotter than a Louisiana summer. They dropped a 27-14 game to the Chargers in Week 1, where the offense struggled, and tied the Jaguars 17-17 last week, rallyin’ from a 17-3 deficit thanks to a late TD and two-point conversion from Spencer Rattler, who went 18-for-24 for 199 yards but threw a pick. With no starter named for Week 1, Rattler and Tyler Shough – another ex-Bronco – are gettin’ big reps, while Jake Haener might see time too.
The battles to watch are at tight end and in the secondary. Foster Moreau’s been a receivin’ standout, hittin’ the over on yards in 10 of his last 13 games, and he’s pushin’ for a bigger role. Newly acquired WR Devaughn Vele, traded from Denver, could make an instant impact. Defensively, the Saints have struggled, allowin’ 141.4 rushin’ yards per game last season and gettin’ sacked seven times this preseason. Rookie CB Jonas Sanker and LB Jaylan Ford are fightin’ for depth spots, with Sanker’s coverage skills shinin’ in camp. No major injuries, but the O-line’s been shaky, and backups like Kelvin Banks Jr. need to step up. Special teams is key – Blake Grupe’s been solid, but the return game needs a boost. With the Superdome crowd bringin’ energy, the Saints are desperate to avoid an 0-2-1 finish and get clarity at QB before their Week 1 trip to Atlanta.
Key Matchups and Game-Changing Factors
Boom! This game’s gonna be a war of depth and desperation. The Broncos’ pass rush versus the Saints’ backup O-line is huge – New Orleans’ seven sacks allowed this preseason could spell trouble if Elliss or McGuire get loose. On the flip side, the Saints’ secondary against Denver’s receivers – Franklin’s chemistry with Stidham could exploit coverage lapses, especially with Vele now on the other side. The run game could decide it; if Watson or New Orleans’ Jordan Mims break loose, they’ll control the clock and keep the other side’s offense sidelined.
The Superdome’s indoor setup means no weather worries, but the crowd will bring playoff-level noise, which could rattle Denver’s backups. With cutdown day loomin’ on August 26, every snap’s a job interview – expect high effort but maybe some penalties from overeager rookies. A historical wrinkle: the Saints lead the preseason series 3-2, but Denver’s 33-10 regular-season win in 2024 at the Superdome gives them a mental edge. Payton facin’ his old team adds spice, and that joint practice with New Orleans earlier this week saw Denver’s defense dominate, which could carry over. The Broncos are 7-2 when convertin’ 55% or more of red zone chances into TDs, so efficiency near the goal line could be key.
Final Prediction
Alright, straight from the gut: The Broncos’ cohesion and defensive depth give ‘em the edge, even on the road. I’m callin’ Denver to pull out a 24-17 win, coverin’ the spread as the Saints’ QB uncertainty holds ‘em back.
3 Best Bets
- Broncos Moneyline (-192): Denver’s 2-0 with a dominant 57-16 scorin’ margin and Stidham’s efficiency. They’re the safer bet to stay perfect.
- Under 38.5 Total Points (-110): The Saints’ offense is shaky, and Denver’s D is lock-down. Expect a low-scorin’ grind with backups playin’ safe.
- Broncos -4.5 (-115): Denver’s depth and Payton’s motivation to stick it to his old team lead to a multi-score win, coverin’ the spread.
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