NFL Predictions: Saints vs. 49ers Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Thursday, 12 January 2012 19:16

Let’s make some predictions on the Saturday NFL Playoff game between the Saints and the 49ers.

Saturday’s NFL Playoff game between the New Orleans Saints (14-3) and the San Francisco 49ers (13-3) will be the focus of our score predictions, and we hope that this preview will have everyone betting on the right side.  Start time of the Saints vs. 49ers game is set for 4:30 PM ET, and you can watch the clash live from San Francisco on the FOX channel.

Despite being the home team, the 49ers are actually a 3.5-point underdog according to the NFL betting odds currently up at Bovada Sportsbook (formerly BoDog Sportsbook).  Although the Saints have been an incredible bet this season with 13 of 17 point spread covers, the 49ers have been even better while covering the odds in 13 of their 16 games.  The total sits at 47.5 and these teams have combined to go over in 17 games and under in 16 this season.

Saints’ Offense vs. 49ers’ Defense:

Quarterback Drew Brees (5942 yards, 71.6%, 49 TD, 14 INT) leads an offense that is nearly impossible to stop, and New Orleans is averaging 34.8 points per game on 476.5 total yards.  That being said, they’ve played much worse on the road this year and their statistics drop to 27.2 points per game and 324.1 total yards when traveling.  The 49ers have one of the elite defenses in the NFL and allow just 10.9 points per game at home on the season.  That being said, they’ve faced very few teams that can pass like the Saints can, so San Francisco needs their offense to contribute because a shutout seems unlikely.

49ers’ Offense vs. Saints’ Defense:

San Francisco scores 23.8 points per game despite being only average at passing and running the ball.  They don’t have to go on long drives because their defense sets them up with great field position, and it is interesting to note that the 49ers actually average more points per game at home than the Saints do on the road.  New Orleans’ defense is not strong, but they look better than they actually are because of the fact the offense gets a big lead and allows the defenders to hunt for big plays.  The Saints have fared poorly against teams that can run the ball, and I can see the 49ers scoring a bit here if they don’t give up an early lead.

Saints vs. 49ers Predictions:

New Orleans simply hasn’t played well enough on the road to be favored against a team that can put a ton of pressure on Brees.  The 49ers are the better team and they’ll use defense and their rushing attack to come out ahead here.  Predictions call for Brees to throw some interceptions after his pocket collapses, and there is simply no reason that the 49ers can’t advance to the NFC Championship Game.

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Saints 23

49ers 30