Saints vs. 49ers: 5 Player Matchups That Will Decide Outcome

Saturday's NFL Playoffs Divisional Round matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints presents the best game of the weekend. Two opposing styles on a collision course for the NFC Championship. Someone has to step up.

The biggest matchup will be the different battles that take place on both sides of the ball when the Saints take the field on offense. San Francisco's defense has shut down opponents all year long and continue to force teams to beat them through the air.

For the Saints, that may not be the worst option, but they also like to run the ball.

Whoever winds the positional matchups will come out victorious on Saturday and could end up hosting the NFC Championship game as their reward, if the New York Giants win.

Saints O-Line vs. 49ers Front Seven

Two things you need to know about the San Francisco 49ers defense are a) they have more than just Patrick Willis at linebacker and b) they have the best front seven in football.

The 49ers defense has the league's best run defense and will be looking to put a little dirt on Drew Brees' jersey on Saturday.

San Francisco likes to bring pressure with their linebacker and rush the quarterback from all over the line. The New Orleans Saints offensive line must find a way to clog their holes and protect Brees from the blitz. 

San Fran will try to rattle Brees early and not allow him to settle into a rhythm by sitting in the pocket. If the Saints O-line can keep a clean pocket for most of the game, New Orleans won't have to leave their heart in San Francisco.

Advantage: 49ers front seven

Drew Brees vs. 49ers Secondary

If there's a weak link in the armor that is the San Francisco 49ers defense, it lies within their secondary. It's difficult for a unit that contains such a strong front seven to match that skill on the back end.

The 49ers possess the 16th-ranked passing defense in the league. It's one of the only categories that they aren't a top-10 team in.

The New Orleans Saints on the other hand are the league's top passing offense and top gainer in yards per game. Without a doubt, Drew Brees has to beat the 49ers defense with his arm.

Brees can expect to see different blitz packages and coverage schemes to try and bait him into a bad throw. If he can make the right adjustments at the line of scrimmage and throw to the open receiver against the blitz, New Orleans could torch the 49ers for their aggressiveness.

However, the 49ers secondary must man up and be able to lock down the Saints receivers on the outside. Although, that will be easier said than done.

Advantage: Drew Brees

Frank Gore vs New Orleans Run D

Frank Gore has had one of his more enjoyable seasons in 2011. During the San Francisco 49ers eight-game winning streak earlier in the season, Gore rushed for over 100 yards five weeks in a row.

He has to regain that form coming off the bye week. He hasn't gone over the century mark since that run of games.

On the other side of the ball, the New Orleans Saints rush defense is surprisingly formidable. New Orleans had the 12th-best run defense in the league during the regular season.

Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers offense like to pound other teams into submission with their running game. If the Saints can stop Frank Gore, the 49ers could be scrambling to ignite their stagnant offense.

Advantage: Frank Gore

Saints Specialists vs 49ers Specialists

Ted Ginn Jr. versus Darren Sproles. David Akers versus John Kasay.

Both teams have exceptional special teams players.

Darren Sproles has one punt return and has averaged 10.1 yards per return on punts and 27.2 yards per return on kickoffs. Sproles has the possibility to bust out for a touchdown on any return.

John Kasay hit 28 of 34 during the regular season, including one last week against the Detroit Lions.

Similarly explosive to Sproles is Ted Ginn Jr.

Ginn has averaged 12.3 yards per return on punts and 27.6 yards per return on kickoffs. Ginn also had an exhilarating 102-yard kickoff return for a touchdown during the regular season.

David Akers has been enjoying one of the better seasons of his career. The 49ers kicker hit 44 of 52, including seven from 50 yards or more.

Advantage: Push

Alex Smith vs. Saints Secondary

As surprisingly sufficient as the New Orleans Saints run defense has been, the Saints secondary has been just as surprising. The Saints secondary had the third worst secondary in the league during the regular season.

Alex Smith has finally fulfilled some of his potential since the arrival of Jim Harbaugh.

Smith may not have Drew Brees like stats but his 17 touchdowns and five interceptions were plenty enough to help guide the San Francisco 49ers.

New Orleans has a tough time getting after the passer, which makes their secondary work harder and longer.

If San Fran has all day in the pocket, he will be able to find an open receiver.

Advantage: Alex Smith