3 bold predictions for Saints in Week 7 against Broncos

It’s only Week 7, but it’s not an exaggeration to say the next game on the schedule is a make-or-break, must-win game for the New Orleans Saints. The Saints are 2-4, losing their last four games. They will now host the Denver Broncos in a primetime Thursday Night Football game. With Sean Payton returning to town, the franchise is using the night to honor Drew Brees, inducting him into the team’s Hall of Fame.

From a storyline perspective, New Orleans has to get a win. From a purely football perspective, the Saints also need to win. Five straight losses before Week 8 will likely end all hope for the rest of the season. If the team is embarrassed by Payton and the Broncos on Thursday night, New Orleans might as well start it’s rebuild.

The team understands the magnitude of this game. Although the Saints are dealing with several injuries, the available players will come out desperate, ready to give it all for a win. With that mindset, we could see some special things happen.

Let’s take a look at three bold predictions for Thursday’s game.

3. Bub Means will have 100 receiving yards

New Orleans could be without its top two receivers this week. Chris Olave is in concussion protocol, and Rashid Shaheed is dealing with a knee injury. Them being out would cause a lot of problems for the Saints offense.

However, rookie wide receiver Bub Means showed some promise in Week 6. With Olave injured during the first offensive drive of the game, Means had an increased role. He was targeted eight times, and caught the ball five times for 45 yards and a touchdown. It was the best outing of his young career, and he had great chemistry with Spencer Rattler.

100 yards is a big difference from 45 yards, and the Broncos have a good defense. However, if Olave and Shaheed are out, Means will be the top guy. Additionally, Denver is dealing with some injuries at the cornerback spot. This could end up being a breakout game for the rookie receiver.

2. Saints will force another three turnovers

New Orleans didn’t do much well defensively in Week 6; in fact, the defense only did one thing well: force turnovers. The Saints had three takeaways, recording three interceptions. That’s been a theme for the defense, forcing 12 turnovers this season.

Now, New Orleans gets to play against a rookie quarterback. Denver’s Bo Nix has five touchdown passes and five interceptions. He threw four combined interceptions in his first two games, then went three weeks without an interception. He did throw one in Week 6, and the Saints are hoping they can bait him into a few more on Thursday.

1. Saints will finally win

This is an extremely bold prediction right now, because New Orleans hasn’t looked good. Losing its last four, the team has looked worse each week. The Saints are also pretty beat up, with a large percent of their roster dealing with injuries.

Even with all that, the team should be able to pull together to get a win on Thursday. The Broncos are a rebuilding team, entering the game at 3-3, and while they have a good defense, New Orleans should be able to find a way to win.

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