Javonte Williams rushed for two touchdowns as the Denver Broncos inflicted a fifth successive defeat on the New Orleans Saints.
Wil Lutz also kicked four field goals as the Broncos claimed a 33-10 away win – their fourth victory in their past five games.
It marked a successful return to Louisiana for Broncos coach Sean Payton, who spent 15 years in charge of the Saints and led them to their only Super Bowl title, in 2009, and nine play-off appearances.
It is a third defeat in 11 days for the Saints, whose season has gone awry after winning their opening two matches.
It was a day for reminding Saints fans of better times gone by, as Super Bowl-winning quarterback Drew Brees was honoured at half-time following his introduction to the Saints Hall of Fame on Thursday.
By that point, the Saints were already trailing 16-3 and never looked like recovering in the final two quarters, with the Broncos having led throughout the match.
On the Broncos’ second possession, Lutz kicked a 46-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead. The Saints then fumbled the ball straight back to Denver, and Lutz kicked another three points, from 32 yards.
The Broncos then marched 86 yards in eight plays, and Williams ran in his first touchdown for a 13-0 lead midway through the second quarter, with both sides exchanging field goals before the break.
On the Broncos’ first possession of the second half, Lutz kicked a 38-yard field goal before Williams’ five-yard touchdown run increased the lead to 26-3 at the end of the third quarter.
Cody Barton returned Spencer Rattler’s fumble 52 yards for a touchdown to complete the Broncos’ scoring, with a touchdown from Cedrick Wilson Jr in the final minutes providing scant consolation for Saints.
