NFL Playoff Picks: Predicting Final Score for Saints vs. 49ers

The New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers' showdown on Saturday is probably the most difficult game to predict of the weekend. 

It will pit Drew Brees' astoundingly efficient aerial attack against a 49ers secondary that allowed opposing quarterbacks to average a lowly 73.6 QB rating in 2011. Their 23 interceptions were tied for the second-best in the NFL. 

Not to be overlooked is the Saints' scary running back committee that averaged 133 yards per game this season. What's more, they rushed for at least 164 yards in their last three games. However, this week, they square off against San Fran's top-ranked run defense. 

This game is the classic offense vs. defense matchup. 

While I don't expect the Saints to be able to run the football as well as they have all year, their big and intimidating pass-catchers—like Marques Colston and Jimmy Graham—should have their way with the 49ers' defensive backfield. 

Don't forget about speedster Robert Meachem and the always reliable screen game that typically features terrorizing runner Darren Sproles, either.

They certainly won't put on another clinic on the road against arguably the best and most ferocious defense in the NFL. 

However, will the 49ers offense be able to accumulate enough points to emerge victorious? 

I don't think so. 

The Saints' blitz-happy defensive scheme will occasionally fluster quarterback Alex Smith and New Orleans does have quite the stout run defense (12th in the NFL during the regular season). It's also worth remembering that Frank Gore struggled down the stretch. 

With a few big plays on both offense and defense, especially late in the game, the Saints will win a tight one by a field goal. 23-20. 

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