Bookmaker    +3½ -110

Posted at 8:00 AM ET. Odds are subject to change

New Orleans +3½ over Denver

Empower Field at Mile High – Denver, CO

8:00 PM ET. Denver has made quick work of their first two preseason opponents, outscoring them by a combined 58-16. The defense has looked fierce. Jarrett Stidham looks locked in. Sam Ehlinger is doing exactly what a clipboard QB is supposed to do in these games — manage the field and limit mistakes. So of course, the Broncos are a hot ticket. They’re at home. Their starters are playing a series or two. It all fits. Too well.

What that sets up is a classic case of buying high. The market has caught wind of Denver’s preseason form and has bumped this line accordingly. New Orleans now comes in as a 3½-point pooch — and we love it.

Forget what the Saints have looked like. Focus instead on what this line is saying. New Orleans is still battling at QB. Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough may not be inspiring confidence, but they’ll play with urgency and reps. The longer the leash, the greater the value — and both signal-callers have something to prove. That matters.

What also matters is that Denver’s starters will be gone after 10 snaps. That’s not an opinion — that’s what Sean Payton said. Once they hit the sideline, the Broncos will be managing the second half with the same cast of characters that are driving this preseason hype — but now they’re being asked to cover a number. That’s where it gets dicey.

You see, exhibition football isn’t about who’s better. It’s about who’s deeper, who’s more desperate, and who’s more motivated. The Saints check all three boxes. This is a live competition under center, and every snap counts for Rattler and Shough. They’ll be given the volume, and they’ll be playing against Denver’s backups for three quarters. We’ll take that every day.

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