WhoDat!656

1. This is football's version of the Irresistible Force meeting the Immovable Object.

The Saints ranked second in the league in scoring, averaging 34.2 points a game; the 49ers ranked second in fewest points allowed, surrendering an average of 14.3 a game.

The Saints had just 19 giveaways, tying for fourth-fewest; the 49ers tied for first in takeaways, with 38.

The Saints ranked sixth in rushing, averaging 132.9 yards a game; the 49ers were No. 1 against the run, surrendering just 77.2 yards a game. They also did not allow a rushing touchdown in their first 13 games.

Stated another way: Something has to give.

The Saints, winners of nine in a row, have scored at least 42 points in each of their last four games, including a 45-28 win over the Lions last weekend. Drew Brees has been particularly lethal since mid-December, throwing for 17 scores with only three interceptions in his last four games. If San Francisco focuses too heavily on him, however, it could create running lanes for the Saints' backs, who gained 167 yards and had three scores against the Lions.

San Francisco, led by end Justin Smith and linebackers Patrick Willis and Navorro Bowman, has been excellent against the run, and if that carries into Saturday's game, the Niners will need to get to Brees when he's in obvious passing situations. The Saints allowed just 24 sacks, tying for second-fewest in the league. That protection allowed Brees to complete 71.2 percent of his passes for a league-record 5,476 yards and 46 touchdowns.

The 49ers were 16th against the pass, allowing 230.9 yards a game, but they tied for second with 23 interceptions. Brees threw 14 picks during the season and saw the Lions drop at least two easy interceptions last week. So there could be opportunities for takeaways.


Read more: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints look to prove they can win outdoors vs. 49ers - Jim Trotter - SI.com

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