NFL Playoff Picks: Why Good Weather Is Bad News for San Francisco 49ers

As the home team and No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs, it would seem like the San Francisco 49ers ought to be the favorites in tomorrow’s divisional round showdown against the New Orleans Saints.

Don’t tell that to the fans (or the oddsmakers), though, as Drew Brees’ offensive juggernaut looks like a near unstoppable force after demolishing the Detroit Lions last week.

With kickoff just over 24 hours away, it looks like the 49ers will even be let down by the notoriously unpredictable weather of their home city. 

According to weather.com, tomorrow afternoon should feature balmy 60-degree temperatures and minimal wind.

A more typical blustery January day in the Bay Area would have done a lot of good for the stout San Francisco defense. 

Brees and the Saints average about two less touchdowns on the road than at home, and a nice stiff cross-breeze to mitigate New Orleans’ downfield passing game might have helped to tip the balance in favor of the home team.

Instead, a Niners squad that has relied on ball control all season must try to match points with one of the league’s most explosive offenses in conditions that won’t be much different from the ones the Saints enjoyed in the Superdome last week.

Frank Gore could still keep the ball out of Brees’ hands long enough to keep the score down, but it’s not looking good for San Francisco.

Even with more playoff-appropriate weather, the 49ers would have been in for a tough battle. 

After all, Darren Sproles and the New Orleans running game are dangerous enough in their own right, and the banged-up Gore hasn’t been his usual self for much of the season.

With the help of the home crowd, San Francisco can probably keep the game from turning into a rout. 

Sadly, that’s about the best the 49ers can hope for against a red-hot offense they don’t have the weapons to match.