VS 
After an exciting and controversial 39 – 38 home win last week against the Chargers, Denver hosts the New Orleans Saints in week 3. Both teams have some defensive issues and this could turn into a similar shootout.
Offense
Quarterback is debatable, much like last week. Cutler is having an outstanding start to the year but so is Drew Brees. In an overall career comparison I would give the nod to Brees but this year Cutler is the top rated quarterback so far so I cannot justify that. Not to mention Cutler has one interception to Brees’ 3.
At running back Denver hosts the running back by committee with Andre Hall, Selvin Young and Michael Pittman who have all been pretty successful in the zone blocking scheme this year. New Orleans features the multi-talented Reggie Bush as well as running back Pierre Thomas. Denver simply has a better true running game at this point and although Bush is a dangerous receiver out of the backfield the Saints are just not that great on the ground to this point without McAllister. The advantage has to go to Denver here and it may be more about their offensive line than anything.
At the wide receiver position the Saints have Reggie Bush and Jeremy Shockey as their largest threats, and they are not true wide receivers. With the Colston hurt their biggest weapon otherwise is David Patten. The Broncos this year with Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler are simply a dominating offensive passing threat. I give the edge to Denver until proven otherwise, they are just way too deep and talented right now.
On the offensive line this year I give the advantage to Denver. Only one sack surrendered so far against New Orleans giving up 3 and an obvious improvement over last year’s line makes the difference. They give Cutler a lot of time in the pocket and open the lanes for the platoon of running backs to gain some yards. New Orleans doesn’t have a bad line at all, but Denver seems to be the dominant one thus far.
Overall I give the offensive advantage to Denver.
Defense
On the defensive line both teams are pretty average. Denver has issues there for certain and don’t cause much pressure on the quarterback but are sufficient against the run. The same can be said for the Saints. This will likely come down to the play of the offensive line for the other side, and i call these teams even in this area.
At Linebacker I give the edge to the Saints. Fujita and Vilma are very good linebackers with speed and tackling ability. The Broncos men in the middle have played a little better but do not match up as well, and they will need to with Bush and Shockey. I give the edge to the Saints here.
In the secondary I think Denver has the advantage with Bailey and Bly over McKenzie and David, although I think the safeties are fairly equal. I don’t consider any of the backups very good at this point on either side, but the starters make the difference here. Advantage Denver.
In the end, I call the defense a PUSH between the 2 teams, neither one has stopped anyone with talent yet.
Special Teams
Kicking and punting are pretty equal with Brett Kern having a slight edge in average. Matt Prater is kicking well, as is Gramatica for the Saints.
The difference for me is kicking coverage and returns. Right now I give the edge for both to the Saints. Denver has been terrible on special teams coverage, giving up a touchdown last week to San Diego and many long returns all year. Reggie Bush is a monster in the return game also and while Denver has some hope with Hall and Royal, they have yet to make any significant returns.
Advantage here goes to New Orleans.
Prediction
I predicted a Denver win and I am sticking to that although this could shape up to be a wild one and both teams match up pretty equally. I don’t think think either team will have much luck stopping the other, and could end up with a big offensive game on both ends. My guess is Denver wins this one 35 – 31…and without any controversy.
