If Lions coach Jim Schwartz thought he was angry after his defense gave up 550 yards to the Packers, then he could end up uncontrollably irate after Saturday's playoff matchup against the Saints in New Orleans.

A rematch of a Dec. 4 nationally televised meltdown for the Lions — it ended in a 31-17 loss — could once again force Schwartz's ailing defense into costly penalties and coverage breakdowns for big chunks of yards.

This is not the matchup Schwartz and his players probably hoped for, at least in the first round, based on the uncertain health status of its defensive and results from Sunday's 45-41 loss at Lambeau field.

Here's a look at what to watch for from the Saints in the matchup, marking the Lions' first playoff appearance since 1999:
Brees' record-setting accuracy

Saints quarterback Drew Brees not only leads the league in touchdown passes (46), completion percentage (71.2), passing yards (5,476) and completions (468), but he is protected well, too. He's been sacked just 24 times, one sack shy of a league-low.
Graham's dominance

Tight end Jimmy Graham is a 6-foot-6, 260-pound former college basketball player who created matchup nightmares every time he steps foot on the filed. He's already set franchise record for receptions in a season (99) and tied another mark for TD receptions (11).
Offensive depth, versatility

Darren Sproles , a running back, headlines a diverse attack that spreads the wealth with nine players that have caught at least 11 passes and five players that have at least 20 rushing attempts.

Sproles has 2,696 net offensive yards, an NFL single-season record.

New Orleans ranks No. 12 against the run and has an ability to get timely turnovers. Cornerback Patrick Robinson has a team-leading four interceptions and is the seventh different Saints defender to lead or co-lead the team in interceptions since 2007.

The Saints' troubles against the pass (259.8) are misleading because five of their wins were blowouts.
Explosive home-dome edge

For the first time in Saints history, the teams was 8-0 at the Superdome. They also set an NFL record, scoring 329 points at home. The previous high was 292 by the St. Louis Rams in 2000.