Game Info
Kickoff: Thursday, October 17th, 2024, 8:15 ET
Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Network: Prime Video
Denver Broncos
Quarterback
Bo Nix: Sit
Rookie QB Bo Nix is slowly making his way towards relevance as he continues to improve throughout his rookie season, but a matchup on the road against a Saints defense allowing the seventh-fewest points to opposing QBs (even after Baker Mayfield‘s Week 6 performance) is a strong avoid if you can help it. Managers should be encouraged by Nix’s back-to-back 20+ point performances, and he may be a solid option in Week 8 against Carolina, but you should look elsewhere in Week 7.
Running Back
Javonte Williams: FLEX Option, RB3
Jaleel McLaughlin: Sit
Audric Estime: Sit
It’s hard to get excited about Javonte Williams, but as of right now, he appears to still have the job as the Broncos’ lead back. Williams’ production was limited in Week 6 against the Chargers with the Broncos playing from behind all game, but he still garnered 6 targets in that matchup. Williams has a low-ish floor and a low ceiling, meaning he’s an ill-advised FLEX, even against a Saints defense allowing the sixth-most points to opposing RBs. Jaleel McLaughlin is an easy sit with his decreased role over the past few weeks, and while you aren’t starting Audric Estime, he’s a name to watch in case he earns a larger snap share in this game. An efficient outing would likely mean an increased workload in the future for the rookie RB.
Wide Receiver
Courtland Sutton: FLEX Option, WR4
Devaughn Vele: Sit
There’s no doubt that Courtland Sutton is a talented NFL wide receiver — if you have any doubts, go check out his touchdown catch from last week’s matchup. However, Sutton’s low ceiling keeps him from being more than a lower FLEX option this week in a position as deep as wide receiver is in 2024. Sutton is yet to eclipse 68 receiving yards in the young season, meaning he’ll likely need to find the end zone again to reach 10+ points. Devaughn Vele is in a similar boat to Estime — he’s a Day 3 pick with upside if he can display an increased role. After being a healthy scratch in Week 2-6, Vele paced the Broncos with 78 yards in Week 6. Keep an eye on him as a possible deep-league or dynasty add if he pops again.
Tight End
Sit All
The Greg Dulcich well has run completely dry. Please don’t start Lucas Krull in his stead.
New Orleans Saints
Quarterback
Spencer Rattler: Sit
The Broncos are going to be without Pat Surtain II on Thursday Night Football, but that shouldn’t sway you into starting a rookie QB who had a mixed outing in his first career start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rattler is among the riskiest plays at the position and will be without his top two receivers this week. You should look elsewhere if you can, even in Superflex leagues.
Running Back
Alvin Kamara: Start, RB1
Jamaal Williams: Sit
Kendre Miller: Sit
With Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed out, there is no doubt that the Saints will lean heavily on Alvin Kamara to carry their offense on Thursday. Even with nagging hand and hip injuries, Kamara ranks as a locked-in RB1 based on projected volume alone. The Broncos are not an easy matchup, but they are softer against the run than they are against the pass. Start him as a high-floor option with room to hit a high ceiling if he can find the end zone once or twice. You won’t be starting Jamaal Williams or Kendre Miller this week, though it’s worth watching the latter’s snaps to see if he makes an impact on the field or in the box score. Both should be on waivers for now.
Wide Receiver
Bub Means: FLEX Option, WR4
With Olave and Shaheed both out for this week and possibly longer, fifth-round rookie Bub Means is set to assume the de facto WR1 role for the Saints. Based on the chemistry he displayed with Rattler last week (5 catches on 8 targets for 45 yards and a TD), Means slides in as a risky but intriguing FLEX option in leagues where you’re starting three WR or multiple FLEX. With the Broncos’ most imposing cornerback out, Means has room to make an impact, though the small sample size makes it a play you should think twice about.
Tight End
Juwan Johnson: Streaming Option
Foster Moreau: Streaming Option
It appears we will be without Human Swiss Army Knife Taysom Hill once again on Thursday, meaning we’re down to Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau for our Saints TE options this week. Interestingly enough, these two were actually the leading receivers for the Saints in Week 6, though they both only earned 3 and 2 targets, respectively. There is streaming appeal for both guys in an offense without its top two options, but I’ll give the edge to Johnson as the more imposing red zone threat. I’ll still encourage you to look elsewhere this week if you can.