Saints vs. 49ers: TV Schedule, Live Stream, More for 2012 NFC Divisional Round

The game featuring the teams with the most combined wins will open the Divisional Round as the 13-3 New Orleans Saints travel west to take on the 13-3 San Francisco 49ers. 

The Saints struggled early in their opening game against the Lions, but came back with a 45-28 win.

The 49ers, meanwhile, enjoyed their first-round bye. This will be their first playoff game since they lost to the Buccaneers following the 2002 season. They haven't hosted a playoff game since they defeated the Giants the previous week. 

Where: Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

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

Watch: FOX.

Replay available via Game Rewind package on NFL.com (minimum $19.99 payment).

Listen: WWL 870 AM, 105.3 FM in New Orleans. Full list of affiliates found here. KNBR 680 AM, KSAN 107.FM in San Francisco. Full list of affiliates found here. 

Live Streaming Audio: NFL.com Audio Pass ($29.99 for year, $27.99 team specific, $9.99 a month.

Betting Line

Saints (-3.5), according to Sportsbook. 

If this game was in New Orleans, I would take the Saints with that spread, no questions asked. But San Francisco is an outdoor stadium, and the Saints' offense is nowhere near as prolific away from New Orleans, especially outside on grass. 

It's not that 3.5 points is massive, but it's a nice cushion for San Francisco to have. 

What's at Stake

The most obvious answer is a trip to the NFC Championship Game. That likely means a trip to Lambeau Field and the Packers. If the Giants pull an upset on Sunday, the winner here will host the NFC Championship Game. 

For the Saints, if they can win outdoors, it will bode well for the Championship Game.

For the 49ers, if they can slow down the Saints, it means that they can slow down the Packers or Giants. 

Saints' Injury Report

Per USA Today.

K Garrett Hartley, T Charles Brown, TE David Thomas, RB Mark Ingram, and LB Will Herring are on injured reserve.

WR Lance Moore, TE Jon Gilmore, and LB Jonathan Casillas are questionable.

49ers' Injury Report

Per USA Today.

DT Will Tukuafu and WR Josh Morgan are on injured reserve.

TE Delanie Walker is out.

FB Bruce Miller is questionable.

WR Ted Ginn Jr. and WR Kyle Williams are probable. 

What They're Saying

Mike Triplett of the The Times-Picayune quoted Drew Brees, who is not concerned with the fact that the Saints will be playing outdoors.

"

Whether it be indoors, outdoors, west coast, north, south, east, west, whatever...If there's elements to be dealt with, we keep those in mind, we have a plan for those things. But really, we're just worrying about the things we can control. 

"

Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News quoted Alex Smith as saying that he's not concerned with the stats, and that he's looking forward to his first playoff game.

"

I really don't care. I'm looking to outscore him. He can throw for how many yards as he wants...Obviously this is why you play, to get into the postseason and get a ticket to the dance. (I'm) excited to be hosting a home game. Can't wait to see what the stadium is like.

"

Saints' Player to Watch

Tight end Jimmy Graham. His size and speed gives the 49ers a significant matchup issue. If Brees is given time to find Graham, the 49ers are facing a long day. 

49ers' Player to Watch

Running back Kendall Hunter. This one is a little outside of the box, but it's logical. The Saints will be coming with a heavy blitz all game long. The way to beat that is to run screens, and Hunter is an explosive player that can help the 49ers prolong drives. 

Key Matchup

Carlos Rodgers against Drew Brees. Two of the league's very best will be squaring off. If Rodgers can shut down his part of the field, or force a few big plays, the 49ers are in excellent standing to win this game.

On the Hot Seat

The nature of a game between 13-3 teams is that nobody's job is really on the line. But Alex Smith is in a contract year. A down game from him might at least spark some talk to bring in another quarterback to lead the team.

Prediction: 49ers 23, Saints 21

The Saints have never won a road playoff game, although they did win Super Bowl XLIV in Miami. This game has similarities to last year's game against the Seahawks. The Saints are a better team, but the 49ers are also much better than the Seahawks. We're not going to see the points we saw in the Saints' game vs. the Lions, and that benefits the 49ers. 

I like the Saints to find the end zone more than the 49ers, but look for the 49ers to pull the upset. Their running game will keep the ball away from Drew Brees just enough.

Follow @mdixon1985