Sean Payton's Broncos capitalize on depleted Saints roster as head coach returns to New Orleans

Sometimes you just have to go out there and take advantage of the opportunities that come your way, and that's exactly what the Denver Broncos did on Thursday night in Louisiana.

The Broncos made the most of the injury-ravaged New Orleans Saints, who looked exactly the same. Denver was eliminated and earned a 33-10 victory at the Superdome on Thursday night.

Broncos running back Javonte Williams found the break he desperately needed, reaching the end zone twice in the game while kicker Will Lutz went 3-for-3 on field goal attempts in the first half.

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Javonte Williams #33 celebrates a touchdown with Mike McGlinchey #69 and Lucas Krull #85 of the Denver Broncos in the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on October 17, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Gus Stark/Getty Images)

The second half started much the same as the first, with Lutz hitting his fourth field goal of the night. On their next drive, Williams reached the end zone a second time and took a 26-3 lead. In addition, Denver returned a fumble to the house for a score in the fourth quarter and capped it off with a 33-3 lead.

The Saints looked like a team that had its backup quarterback in the game and whose top two targets were out – which is exactly what they were. Spencer Rattler started while Derek Carr recovered from injury and both Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed were inactive.

Wil Lutz #3 of the Denver Broncos and Riley Dixon #9 celebrate a field goal in the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on October 17, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Gus Stark/Getty Images)

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Rattler threw for just 172 yards on 25-for-35 passing — Bub Means, Foster Moreau and Alvin Kamara each had six catches.

As for the other side, Williams finally broke out, rushing for 88 yards on 14 carries, two of which were scores. Bo Nix was also effective on the ground, rushing 10 times for 75 yards.

The game was Sean Payton's first game in New Orleans since leaving them after the 2021 season – he was their coach for 16 years, went 152-89 with them and won Super Bowl XLIV.

Javonte Williams #33 of the Denver Broncos scores a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in the second quarter at Caesars Superdome on October 17, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Gus Stark/Getty Images)

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Denver is surprisingly over .500 now, and next week they will host the Carolina Panthers. The Saints have now lost five straight after picking up their first two wins. They will travel to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers in Week 8.

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