Great job once again!

I agree with you that the 49ers fans don't realize how good the Saints' running game has been this season, which is probably caused by the fact that they've been so lethal in the air and Brees breaking all of those records. And that might very well be the deciding factor in this game - how well can the Saints run against the defense that allowed the fewest running yards per game this regular season.

Another deciding factor will probably be how well SF can open field tackle Saints' offensive players, because early in the regular season that side of the 49ers game was scary good, but I've seem to have noticed that in couple of the more recent games their defensive players were missing some of those open field tackles they were easily making earlier in the season. If Pierre Thomas has a similar game against the 49ers as he had against the Lions - it might be hard for them to bring him down with the initial tackle or, at least, that is what I'm hoping will happen.

Another key thing will be the 49ers lack of efficiency in the red zone, and while some 49ers fans have stated that the team has worked very hard on this aspect of their game in recent weeks and it has caused an improvement in their game - I'm not convinced, and if they aren't able to turn red zone possessions into TDs and have to settle for FGs instetad: it'll be a long day trying to match up with the Saints' offense - just ask the Texans.

Anyway, great job and I hope you post another one of these previews of the NFC championship game in which the Saints will either face the Packers or the Giants.

Great call, Emory. It's up early this week so you must be confident in this outcome.

Alaska