Messages

Keeping up with NO is always the issue. I agree with MSandberg that if SF draws first blood , watch out. NO is the king of adjustments on offense. Also be careful when talking about defense. SF is outstanding but on total team defense, which we are talking about here, there is only a 6 pt difference in what the two teams give up and only 60 yds per game difference in what each team allows. Not as big a difference as you might think.

Leaning toward NO and small play on the over.

49ers could be a little rusty in the first half due to a week off,the bye hurts and helps.The Saints really don't get going until the 2nd half--look for a low scoring 1st half,perhaps with the 49ers leading by 3 (thanks to Akers,what fools those Eagles be ) . An outside venue coupled with a grass field is not exactly the Saints forte.Yes the 49ers have a great defense and the Saints have an explosive defense and there is your matchup.So now it comes down to turnovers,special teams and penalties.Sorry about the cliche' but like Green bay the Saints are going to be tested by a team with an actual defense.And unless that defense can put points on the board , the Saints win a close one ,they've been there and the 49ers are a long time coming to the party--It's a second half game and I would buy the hook with the Saints just for insurance.Lot's of good write-ups here--good luck to all 

Saints kick game equally as good.  Thomas Morstead has been a top 3 punter since entering the league.  Probably the strongest leg (including hang time) in the NFL. 

Saints are in the minus, yet are still 14-3 and have not just won, but obliterated many teams (including media beloved Giants).  That in itself is a dominating stat.