NFL Playoff Predictions: The San Francisco 49ers Will Stumble

The New Orleans Saints confirmed their role as Super Bowl contenders by beating the Detroit Lions and advancing to the divisional round. Despite struggling in the first half, the Saints got the win after a splendid performance from Drew Brees—he threw for 466 yards and three touchdowns.

A week after winning their Wild Card Game, the Saints will travel to the West Coast to face the San Francisco 49ers. Jim Harbaugh’s team will host the game since it is the second-seeded team in the NFC.

The 49ers were doubted be many, but proved they are for real. They won 13 out of 16 regular season games and lost only one at home. The divisional round game is their first postseason game the last nine years and they want to make it to the next round—but have they got what it takes?

The home-field advantage is nice, but may prove to be little (or no) help in the playoffs, especially against an experienced opposition. The Saints are in their third straight playoff season and they won the Lombardi two years ago. You can find only a handful of more experienced teams.

The 49ers had a remarkable defense in 2011 but going against Drew Brees and his fellow warriors is anything but easy; in fact, that’s the real test. The big bet for San Francisco is to slow down a high-octane offense that has scored more than 40 points in their last four games.

Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman might be able to contain Darren Sproles and the rest of the Saints running backs, but can the secondary prevent Drew Brees from posting 350-plus yards?

On the offensive side of the ball, the 49ers are not so talented. They have been producing the required numbers, but they scored more than 30 points only three times this year. Alex Smith has been a first-class quarterback and had few turnovers this year; however, the 49ers will need his finest game on Saturday.

David Akers has been the most consistent player for the San Francisco offense. He set the record for most field goals made in a single season. Undoubtedly, his kicking abilities will be required, but if the 49ers settle for three points in most occasions, then this game will soon be over.

Ultimately, if you want to beat the Saints, you need constant, high-level execution, both defensively and offensively. The 49ers are not the team to win a shootout. They’ll have to keep the Saints under 35 points and not fall behind early. If not, they’ll abandon the run and that won’t be in their favor.

Personally, I don’t think the 49ers can overcome this obstacle. New Orleans learned its lesson last year and wants to go all the way. The 49ers have improved but lack the extra element that will make them elite.

One way or another, I expect the Saints to win this game.