The NFL preseason has long been called a dress rehearsal, but for some teams, it’s more like an audition. The Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints couldn’t be heading into Saturday’s Week 3 matchup from more opposite directions.
While Denver rides the momentum of a breakthrough 2024 campaign, New Orleans faces fundamental questions about its future, making this game feel less like preparation and more like evaluation.
How Different Are These Two Teams Right Now?
The Broncos are coming off a surprise season in 2024-25. Bo Nix quickly established himself as an effective starting quarterback; the offensive line was the best in football, and their defense remains top-tier.
Meanwhile, the Saints enter their third preseason game with more questions than answers. Who will be the starting quarterback? Is it time to do a complete teardown to the studs? Will they end up with the first overall pick in 2026?
Are the New Orleans Saints Putting Their Starters on the Field?
Saints head coach Kellen Moore said his starters will play on Saturday. Spencer Rattler will start as a quarterback, giving him another opportunity to earn a starting job. It’s unclear if he will play the entire first half, but he’s had his moments.
Spencer Rattler came up clutch in game 2 of the preseason:
– 18/24
– 199 passing yards
– Game-tying TD and 2-point conversion pic.twitter.com/CmKZV0PfSa— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2025
Running back Alvin Kamara is expected to see some action, and the Saints will be putting their starting defense on the field against Denver quarterback Bo Nix. By all accounts, the Saints’ defense has shown up in joint practices, but this will be its first real opportunity to put in game reps during the preseason after being mainly held back in the first two games.
What Are the Saints’ Position Battles to Watch?
Wide receivers Cedrick Wilson Jr., Kevin Austin Jr., Dante Pettis and Moochie Dixon are battling for roster spots, so they should see plenty of reps to give them a chance to differentiate themselves. Every catch, every route, every block matters when you’re fighting for a job.
The battle for backup tight end is also worth watching. Treyton Welch, Michael Jacobson, Jack Stoll, and Moliki Matavao are all vying for a roster spot and should compete fiercely when they get their chances on the field.
Quarterback Tyler Shough is likely the second man up, and he’s had moments when he’s looked good, flashing his big arm, moments when he’s thrown interceptions, and moments when he’s had to take sacks. However, he’s showing that he can put things together when it counts.
Tyler Shough vs Jacksonville Jaguars pic.twitter.com/KEkSsdSKXE
— Saints Tape (@SaintsTape) August 18, 2025
The Saints are entering a season where not much is expected of them. Head coach Kellen Moore is finally leading a team on the sidelines, but instead of veteran Derek Carr (who surprisingly retired during the offseason)Â at quarterback, he’s working with lesser-known quantities. That makes every preseason snap crucial for evaluation.
The Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints kick off at 1 p.m. ET at Caesars Superdome on Saturday, Aug. 23.
