denver broncos vs new orleans saints match player stats
Detailed Analysis, Player Performance & Key Statistical Takeaways
The matchup between the Denver Broncos and the New Orleans Saints always brings intrigue to NFL fans. Whether it’s the offensive battles, defensive grit, coaching narratives, or individual star performances, these games provide rich data for analysis. In this exhaustive article, we dive deep into player statistics from historic and recent meetings between the Broncos and Saints — explaining how every key contributor performed and what it all means for both franchises.
1. Game Context: Broncos vs Saints Rivalry Overview
When two long-standing NFL franchises like the Denver Broncos and the New Orleans Saints meet, the matchup isn’t just another game — it’s a clash shaped by history and contrasting team philosophies.
Though not traditional division foes, the Broncos and Saints have had several memorable matchups over the years. Their meetings often highlight evolving offensive strategies, gritty defensive stands, and showcase breakout performances from both veteran superstars and rising talent.
Understanding the context behind the player stats requires appreciating the teams’ season situations when these games occurred.
Consider the October 17, 2024 matchup — the Broncos dominated 33-10 in a game that marked head coach Sean Payton’s emotional return to the Superdome, where he once coached the Saints for over a decade. In that contest Denver outgained New Orleans 389 yards to 271 in total offense — a significant statistical edge. foxsports.com
This matchup is a terrific lens through which to explore player statistics and performance impacts.
1.1 Franchise Trajectories
At the time of the 2024 matchup:
- The Broncos were a young, ascending team under Payton’s leadership, emphasizing a balanced ground game and opportunistic defense.
- The Saints were in a rebuilding phase, trying to blend veterans with new talent and stabilize performance.
These narrative arcs add meaning to the numbers you’ll see below — because statistics don’t just tell what happened, they tell why it happened.
1.2 Statistical Lens for Performance Evaluation
When analyzing “player stats,” it’s important to consider:
- Total yards (rushing + passing + receiving)
- Efficiency metrics (yards per attempt, completion rate)
- Scoring contributions (touchdowns, field goals)
- Defensive impact (tackles, sacks, turnovers)
- Situational influence (fourth-quarter drives, turnovers in key moments)
These dimensions reveal much more than raw totals.
2. Offensive Player Stats: Broncos Offense
2.1 Quarterback Performance: Bo Nix
At the heart of Denver’s offense in the 2024 game was quarterback Bo Nix.
According to the boxscore from the October 17, 2024 game:
- Bo Nix passed for 164 yards and added 75 rushing yards. Sky Sports
What makes this performance notable?
- Nix wasn’t just a pocket passer — his mobility added a dynamic rushing dimension.
- His dual-threat capability kept the Saints defense honest, forcing New Orleans to respect both the run and passing game.
This balanced attack contributed significantly to Denver’s total offensive success.
Why This Matters Statistically
Nix’s contribution was split across two phases:
- Passing yards moved the chains through the air.
- Rushing yards gave Denver flexibility and unpredictable tempo.
The combination elevated his overall offensive efficiency and reflects a trend in the modern NFL toward multi-dimensional quarterbacks.
2.2 Running Back Impact: Javonte Williams
Denver’s ground game truly came alive against the Saints thanks to RB Javonte Williams, who exemplified tough, downhill running:
- Williams carried the ball 14 times for 88 yards and scored 2 rushing touchdowns. theScore.com
This wasn’t just volume — it was context:
- Denver’s rushing attack controlled tempo.
- Williams’ touchdowns helped keep the Saints from mounting a comeback.
Why This Rushing Output Was Significant
A crucial aspect of NFL strategy is dominating the line of scrimmage. Williams’ performance:
- Helped keep the Saints defense on the field longer (wearing them down).
- Opened up play-action opportunities for Denver’s passing game.
- Contributed to Denver’s overall victory margin.
2.3 Receiving Corps: Troy Franklin & Others
While Denver’s rushing game shined, the receiving corps played its part in sustaining drives.
In the 2024 matchup:
- WR Troy Franklin recorded 5 receptions for 50 yards. theScore.com
Although not headline numbers, consistency from receivers like Franklin provides balance, preventing defenses from stacking the box against the run.
2.4 Special Teams Contribution: Wil Lutz
This may surprise some readers, but special teams often swing close games.
In the October 2024 meeting:
- Kicker Wil Lutz made multiple field goals for Denver — including long attempts. ESPN
Lutz’s accuracy:
- Added crucial points early in the game.
- Helped Denver build and maintain their scoring advantage.
Special teams’ stats are often underrated, but reliability here can change game planning and momentum.
3. Offensive Player Stats: Saints Offense
Switching to New Orleans, we see a contrast in offensive output.
3.1 Quarterback: Spencer Rattler’s Performance
In the October 2024 game:
- Spencer Rattler passed for 172 yards — more than Denver’s quarterback. The Eastern Herald
At first glance, this might seem like a strong offensive performance.
But numbers can be misleading without context:
- The Saints did not score nearly as often or as efficiently.
- Denver’s defense limited scoring opportunities despite yardage totals.
This context shows that total passing yards alone don’t guarantee offensive success.
3.2 Rushing Production: Kendre Miller
In that same contest:
- Saints RB Kendre Miller had 6 carries for 36 yards. theScore.com
While not a massive output, this reflects:
- Denver’s defensive front limited effective ground gains.
- The Saints were forced to become one-dimensional in passing situations.
Teams that struggle to establish the run often face deficits later in games — exactly what happened here.
3.3 Receiving Highlights: Cedrick Wilson Jr.
A bright spot for the Saints was:
- WR Cedrick Wilson Jr., who posted 6 receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown. The Eastern Herald
This shows ability and playmaking potential — even in a struggling offense.
Yet even this performance couldn’t offset the Broncos’ all-around balance.
3.4 Offensive Takeaways: Efficiency Matters
While several Saints players posted good numbers:
- The Broncos controlled time of possession.
- Denver sustained longer drives.
- New Orleans struggled to finish red-zone opportunities.
This highlights a foundational statistical truth: efficiency matters more than raw output.
4. Defensive Player Stats and Impact
Offenses don’t win wars alone — defenses shape game flow.
4.1 Broncos Defensive Dominance
Denver’s defense in the 2024 game:
- Held the Saints to 271 total offensive yards compared to their own 389. foxsports.com
Holding a team under 300 total yards is significant in the NFL.
This defensive success came through:
- Tackles for loss
- Pressure on the quarterback
- Forcing unfavorable down and distance situations
The Broncos consistently disrupted Saints rhythm.
4.2 Saints Defensive Response
New Orleans defense had some notable impacts:
- They recorded sacks and pressured Bo Nix at times.
But statistically:
- They allowed more total plays and yards, indicating Denver controlled the tempo. theScore.com
In football metrics, allowing more plays generally means:
- More time defending
- Higher fatigue
- Increased chance of big plays
This partly explains Denver’s offensive success.
4.3 Game Flow: Defense Creating Opportunity
Defensive performance shapes field position — which in turn affects scoring.
In both Broncos vs Saints contests:
- Denver’s defense limited explosive plays.
- Their fronts often forced the Saints into third-and-long.
This tells us the Broncos were winning in the trenches — a major theme in their offensive control.
5. Preseason Dynamics: 2025 Broncos vs Saints Snapshot
Preseason games, while not part of regular standings, offer a laboratory for evaluating young talent and roster depth.
In the August 23, 2025 preseason meeting:
- Denver won 28–19 against New Orleans. The Eastern Herald
Key statistical takeaways:
5.1 Quarterback Distribution
- Denver split time between Sam Ehlinger and Bo Nix, who combined for 293 passing yards and a touchdown. The Eastern Herald
- On the Saints side, Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener shared QB duties — reflecting experimentation and evaluation. The Eastern Herald
This committee-style quarterback usage changes how stats should be interpreted, especially regarding efficiency and rhythm.
5.2 Running Attack Contributions
- Denver’s Audric Estimé scored on a rushing touchdown. The Eastern Herald
Estime—who later became a significant contributor for New Orleans after being traded — showed early running effectiveness that carries into narrative arcs beyond a preseason game.
5.3 Receiving Leaders
- Courtland Sutton led Denver receivers with 83 yards and a touchdown. The Eastern Herald
In preseason matchups, standout receiving performances often translate to expanded roles in the regular season.
5.4 Big Picture: Preseason Stats vs Regular Play
Preseason stats should be interpreted with caution:
- Teams often rotate backups heavily.
- Leadership competition alters snap distribution.
- Coaching strategy emphasizes evaluation over winning.
Even so, the 2025 preseason figures provided early glimpses of players who would matter later.
6. Player Case Studies: Statistical Breakouts & Breakdowns
Here we examine specific players whose performances shaped these Broncos–Saints matchups.
6.1 Javonte Williams: A Power Back at Work
Two touchdowns by Williams in 2024 spoke to his performance strength.
But deeper analysis reveals:
- His yardage came in high-leverage downs.
- His presence opened up opportunities for play-action passes.
Stats don’t lie — Williams earned those carries and touchdowns.
6.2 Bo Nix: Dual-Threat Development
Nix’s rushing yards at 75 added a crucial dimension:
- He was able to buy time
- He forced defenses to account for QB runs
This is reflected in statistical models that credit yards after pressure and scramble conversions, though raw totals don’t capture this nuance.
6.3 Cedrick Wilson Jr.: Beating Coverage with Precision
For New Orleans:
- Wilson’s touchdown reception was one of the few bright offensive spots in 2024. The Eastern Herald
Route running, separation against defensive backs, and catch efficiency highlight his performance beyond simply the totals.
7. Advanced Metrics: Efficiency, Success Rates & Beyond
Let’s step into deeper statistical analysis that goes past raw yardage.
7.1 Yards Per Play
In the 2024 matchup:
- Broncos averaged 6.4 yards per play vs Saints’ 4.1. foxsports.com
A difference this large shows:
- Broncos were consistently gaining first downs.
- Saints struggled to sustain drives.
7.2 Third-Down Efficiency & Drives Extended
Although specific third-down figures vary, game flow analysis shows Denver’s ability to keep drives alive — converting more third downs.
This usually correlates with:
- Better time of possession
- Reduced pressure on defense
- Momentum maintenance for offense
7.3 Turnover Margin
Turnovers are game changers.
In their 2024 game:
- Denver had one turnover
- Saints had two. foxsports.com
When a team turns the ball over more often, it:
- Gives the opponent shorter fields
- Reduces scoring opportunities
It’s why Denver’s win margin widened despite some Saints yardage.
8. What These Stats Mean for Each Team’s Season
While individual game stats tell a story in isolation, they also paint broader pictures.
8.1 Broncos Growth Trajectory
Denver’s victory over New Orleans in 2024 represented:
- A swinging point in confidence
- Defensive identity
- Offensive balance between run + pass
A strong statistical performance like that sets momentum for the rest of the season.
8.2 Saints’ Developmental Signs
New Orleans did show:
- Passing accuracy from Rattler
- Receiving potential (Cedrick Wilson Jr.)
- Running game flashes with Miller
Yet overall efficiency and execution lagged behind — a key takeaway from their statistical profile.
9. Key Player Stat Summaries
Let’s bring together top performers from these Broncos vs Saints games:
9.1 Denver Broncos
| Player | Stat Highlight |
|---|---|
| Bo Nix | 164 pass yds + 75 rush yds (2024) Sky Sports |
| Javonte Williams | 14 carries, 88 yds, 2 TDs (2024) theScore.com |
| Troy Franklin | 5 rec, 50 yds (2024) theScore.com |
| Wil Lutz | Multiple FG conversions (2024) ESPN |
| Courtland Sutton | 83 yds, 1 TD (2025 Preseason) The Eastern Herald |
9.2 New Orleans Saints
| Player | Stat Highlight |
|---|---|
| Spencer Rattler | 172 passing yds (2024) The Eastern Herald |
| Kendre Miller | 36 rushing yds (2024) theScore.com |
| Cedrick Wilson Jr. | 6 rec, 57 yds, 1 TD (2024) The Eastern Herald |
| Audric Estimé | 45 yds, 1 TD (2025 Preseason) The Eastern Herald |
| Blake Grupe (K) | 3/3 FG (2025 Preseason) The Eastern Herald |
10. Conclusion — Player Stats Tell the Story
When you strip down the numbers from the Broncos vs Saints matchups, two themes emerge:
- Efficiency and balance win football games — as Denver showed with both the pass and run.
- Raw yardage doesn’t always equal wins — as seen with New Orleans’ respectable passing outputs that couldn’t translate to consistent scoring.
Ultimately, digging into player stats reveals more than who crossed the goal line — it shows how teams controlled tempo, dictated game flow, and capitalized on opportunities. Denver’s statistical dominance in total yards, fourth-quarter efficiency, and balanced offensive attack speak volumes about their stronger execution on that day.
From this comprehensive statistical breakdown, you as a fan, analyst, or fantasy player can appreciate not just what happened — but why it happened.
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