Saints vs. 49ers: Preview and Predictions for NFC Divisional Round

After what was an top-notch offensive display for the New Orleans Saints (13-3) in the NFC Wild Card round of the 2012 NFL Playoffs, the Saints travel to San Francisco to take on the 49ers at Candlestick Park.

The 49ers (13-3) come into the postseason on a three-game win streak, including a dominant 20-3 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Much like the streaking 49ers, the Saints have finished the season playing arguably the best football in the league. Quarterback Drew Brees and the Saints are winners of their last nine games, including the playoff win over the Detroit Lions.

Here are the significant details pertaining to what should be matchup of epic proportions in the second-round of the NFL playoffs.

Where: at San Francisco 49ers, Candlestick Park

When: Saturday, Jan. 14 at 4:30 p.m. EST

Watch: NFL on FOX

Listen: KNBR 1050 San Francisco, WWL 105.3 in New Orleans, NFL Audio Pass on NFL.com

Betting Line: According to BetVega.com, Saints are three-point favorites (-3)

What's at Stake

The San Francisco 49ers have had a 180-degree turnaround season under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh. With the No. 2 seed in the NFC, Harbaugh and the 49ers are out to prove that a 13-3 season was a season of contending, not pretending.

Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints are a team that looks to build on its regular season accomplishments. With the most passing yards in NFL history, QB Drew Brees understands that the journey only begins for this Saints team regardless of the record-breaking year.

New Orleans Saints Injury Report

LB Jonathan Vilma, WR Robert Meachem and safety Malcolm Jenkins were all probable heading into the wild card playoff game, as these three injured players will all be key for the Saints to have healthy heading into the second-round.

San Francisco 49ers Injury Report

The 49ers show concern with injuries to WR Ted Ginn and LB Patrick Willis. Although the two were questionable for the final game of the regular season, there has been no report ruling out either player for the second-round contest against the Saints.

Saints Player to Watch

If there's one player fans should keep an eye out for, it's RB Darren Sproles. When Sproles makes explosive plays, the Saints are yet to lose. In the team's last six wins of the season, Sproles has averaged at least 4.1 yards a carry and has recorded four receiving touchdowns. His ability to make plays with his speed in both the running and screen game could make or break the Saints season.

49ers Player to Watch

Vernon Davis is the one player that the 49ers must take into account offensively. Just how much of a game-changer is Davis for this team? When Davis catches the ball at least three times, the team is 12-1 this season. With two catches or fewer, the team is just 1-2.

Key Matchup

Drew Brees vs. San Francisco 49ers Secondary

There is no question that the San Francisco 49ers boast arguably the best defense in football. Yet the one questionable aspect of this 49ers defense has been its pass defense. With a hot Drew Brees coming to town, the 49ers will have to cover well enough to allow the line to put pressure on Brees. Brees comes into this contest fresh off of a near 500-yard performance.

On the Hot Seat

San Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith is on the hot seat going into this contest. Smith has recorded just two touchdown passes and one game over 200 yards in his last four outings for the team. With RB Frank Gore running the ball especially well and the defense locking down, Smith has not had to step up his play. Against a Saints team that puts up a plethora of points, Smith will have to put up points for this team in this one.

Prediction

Despite the impressive season from the No. 2-seed 49ers football team, the Saints have been as hot as any team in the NFL coming into the playoffs. In what will be a contest decided on momentum, Brees and the Saints will put up major points in this one and come out victorious.

Saints 38, 49ers 27