NFL Playoff Picture: Top 5 Matchups in Saints vs. 49ers Showdown

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Fans in San Francisco are about to endure a week of agony as they impatiently wait for the New Orleans Saints to play their beloved 49ers. 

There are a number of individual matchups that intrigue me in this contest. I'm going to focus on the top five matchups that will determine the outcome of this showdown.

Saints Offensive Line vs. 49ers Defensive Line

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The New Orleans Saints are known for their record-breaking passing offense, but they are also one of the best rushing teams in the NFL. 

In their blowout win against the Detroit Lions, the Saints ran the ball for 167 yards. 

The 49ers defensive line is one of the stoutest units in the NFL, though, and they will not be so easily moved. People like to bring up the last couple of games, but with an entire week off and a completely healthy Patrick Willis and Justin Smith I just don't see the Saints getting a consistent push up front.

When the Saints are in passing formations, the 49ers will bring in rookie sensation Aldon Smith to pin his ears back and get to Drew Brees. Justin and Aldon have become lethal when they play next to one another, as Vic Fangio dials up stunt after stunt until the offensive line doesn't know which way is up.

The Saints offensive line is fantastic, but the 49ers front seven is dynamic. 

I give the 49ers an edge in this matchup.

Saints Passing Attack vs. 49ers Secondary

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Drew Brees is not going to be shut out. That's just not happening. The Saints are too good on offense to completely bottle up.

The 49ers secondary is probably the most underrated unit in the playoffs.

Never mind that Carlos Rogers and Dashon Goldson will both be going to Hawaii if the 49ers aren't playing in Super Bowl XLVI. Never mind that they led the best defense in the NFL at creating turnovers. 

Granted, Rogers isn't exactly Revis Island, but he's one of the top five at his position in 2011. 

Still, I expect Brees and his gang to make this game interesting until the end, and if it boiled down to this matchup, I'd give them the edge.

Gregg Williams and Blitzing vs. Alex Smith and 49ers Offensive Line

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The Saints defense has started looking like they did in 2009 when they won the Super Bowl, and their success starts with Gregg Williams and his aggressive approach to play-calling.

Williams and his players are getting tuned up at just the right time, and they will give 49ers quarterback Alex Smith a big test as they bring pressure from all directions.

The hallmark of the Saints Super Bowl run was their ability to create turnovers. They intercepted Matthew Stafford twice in their Wild Card Round win.

Thankfully for 49ers fans, Alex Smith was the best quarterback in the NFL in 2011 at taking care of the football. 

The real danger will come if the 49ers offensive line plays poorly. Williams likes to bring pressure from every single position on the field on any given play, and the 49ers offensive line is prone to breaking down at times. 

I expect the 49ers offensive line to be well-rested and prepared, though, and they won't have to contend with a hostile crowd. 

To me, this matchup is a push.

Vernon Davis vs. Saints Linebackers and Safeties

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Vernon Davis has been getting superstar treatment all year long when he runs his routes, garnering double and sometimes triple-team coverage.

Jonathan Vilma is one of the best 4-3 middle linebackers in the NFL, and I expect him to take on Davis on some of the plays. Davis has the edge on speed, but Vilma is good against the pass.

Roman Harper and Malcolm Jenkins are terrific safeties, but they are both smaller and slower than Davis and will have trouble covering him one-on-one. In my mind, the Saints will likely focus on Davis while employing some sort of zone scheme.

I give Davis an edge in this matchup, and I expect him to have a big game for the 49ers.

Sean Payton vs. Jim Harbaugh

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Sean Payton has won a Super Bowl and Jim Harbaugh is a rookie. Hmmm. I wonder who might have the edge in this matchup?

You don't want to mess with "Blue Steel," as my wife calls Payton. He is one of the gutsiest and smartest head coaches in the NFL. The Saints went for it on fourth down four times against the Lions at home. 

I'm not sure if he'll be as gutsy on the road, but don't be surprised if he has a few surprises up his sleeve for this game coming up.

The best thing Payton and his staff do is make good halftime adjustments. They destroyed the Lions in the second half, and they have been doing that all year long.

Harbaugh and the 49ers coaches aren't exactly slouches, though. They will be tested beyond anything they have yet faced, though, against Payton and the Saints.