Saints vs. 49ers: How New Orleans Can Dodge San Francisco's Upset Bid

Although the San Francisco 49ers are at home for today's game with the New Orleans Saints, Drew Brees' squad is about a four-point favorite on most betting sites. 

I'm not sure I can remember the last time a 13-3 team was an underdog at home in the Divisional Round, but the Saints have been white-hot.

Nonetheless, New Orleans better be careful.

If the Saints want to avoid the upset and move on to the "Final Four," they'll have to execute in every fashion. Here's a look at the three most important facets of the game for New Orleans.

Protect Drew Brees

The 49ers rush defense is notoriously good, but how about the pass D? San Francisco is eighth in terms of opposing yards per pass and fourth in interception percentage.

All of that stems from a terrific pass rush. The Niners are just 12th in the NFL in sack percentage, but they are constantly in the backfield hurrying the quarterback.

Brees is certainly one of the better QBs in the league when under pressure, but that's obviously a less than ideal situation. If he wants to continue his torrid pace, he will need a little more time.

Utilize Darren Sproles

Of course, if Brees doesn't have enough time to go downfield, he'll have a nifty little backup plan in the form of Sproles.

The running room will likely be small, and if you add that with the fact that Brees won't have time to look deep, the Saints will have to get creative. Sean Payton has no problem with that.

Hitting Sproles with screens and swing passes will be important. He's going to need to touch the ball 15 times, with at least eight of those coming via the pass.

Contain Michael Crabtree

The 49ers offense has been less than explosive this season, but the Saints have been susceptible to large gains through the air.

Even though Alex Smith isn't the quarterback to take advantage of that fact, Michael Crabtree has the potential to burn this secondary. He showed in the last week of the season against the Rams that he can take any Alex Smith short throw to the house.

Eight catches and 86 yards for two touchdowns isn't groundbreaking, but it's good enough when you have this Niners defense on the other side of the ball.

If Crabtree puts forth a big performance, the Saints could be in trouble.