The Denver Broncos wrapped up their preseason with a 28–19 win over the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome, finishing the exhibition slate undefeated and heading into roster cutdown week with momentum.

Rookie quarterback Bo Nix and veteran receiver Courtland Sutton sparked the offense on the third drive after a slow start, connecting for a 43-yard gain and later a 19-yard touchdown. Nix finished the drive 4-of-4 for 71 yards and showed the poise Denver has counted on all camp.

Backup Sam Ehlinger kept the offense rolling, leading a crisp two-minute drive that ended with a field goal before halftime. In the second half, he engineered another scoring march capped by Audric Estimé’s one-yard touchdown run, set up by a strip-sack from Denver’s defense. Estimé finished with 45 yards on the ground and made a strong case in a crowded backfield.

Rookie wideout Kyrese Rowan sealed the win in the fourth quarter with a clutch touchdown grab on fourth down after New Orleans had closed the gap.

Head coach Sean Payton emphasized health and focus as the key takeaways.

“Overall I think we got out of the game pretty healthy,” Payton said. “There will be a lot of good film for us to look at, a lot of corrections I’m sure.”

Payton praised Ehlinger’s play, calling it “fantastic” and noting the leadership and athleticism he showed. He also highlighted Estimé’s progress, saying the run game improved noticeably after halftime.

The coach made clear his disdain for sideline distractions during games. “I can’t stand watching the sideline interview while the game is going on,” Payton said. “I liked our focus when Courtland (Sutton) was playing and when he wasn’t.”

Other roster notes from Payton:

Dre Greenlaw sat out preseason action but is expected to be ready for Week 1. J.K. Dobbins was among players held out as a precaution. Jaleel McLaughlin remained in Denver for the birth of his child, a decision Payton fully supported.

On finishing preseason undefeated, Payton kept it in perspective. “It’s preseason and we want to win in everything we do,” he said.

The Broncos now shift to roster decisions before opening the regular season