Most compelling games on the New Orleans Saints' 2014 schedule | No. 2 vs. San Francisco 49ers
 

Making a list of the most compelling games on the New Orleans Saints 2014 schedule is a tricky proposition. There's no way of predicting yet how a new coaching staff might affect a team, what injuries might occur, or what players might step up this season.

So I used a combination of factors, including how the Saints have fared against a certain opponent in recent memory, the location and time of the game, weather conditions and how the opponents fared in the offseason.

This list isn't necessarily ranked from most difficult to least difficult, although that one of the main factors.

We'll post a new game every weekday as we draw closer to training camp.

No. 2. Nov. 9 vs. San Francisco, noon

Last season's record: 12-4, 2nd NFC West

Roster shuffle: Drafted S Jimmie Ward, RB Carlos Hyde, C Marcus Martin. Signed S Antoine Bethea, CB Chris Cook, CB Perrish Cox, WR Brandon Lloyd. Lost CB Tarell Brown, S Donte Whitner, C Jonathan Martin, RB Anthony Dixon, WR Mario Manningham. Released CB Carlos Rogers, WR Brandon Carswell.

Coaching situation: Jim Harbaugh is entering his fourth season

The lowdown: This one easily could have been the No. 1 game of the season. The 49ers were strong contenders to make another Super Bowl run, if it weren't for the Seattle Seahawks blocking their way.

Additionally, there aren't many fuzzy feelings remaining between the Saints and Niners, particularly after the conclusion of the Saints' 23-20 win last season.

The game ended in controversy after Ahmad Brooks earned a 15-yard personal foul (and later a $15,000 fine) for grabbing the neck of quarterback Drew Brees as he attempted to sack him. The play, which would have resulted in a costly fumble for the Saints, who trailed 20-17 with 3:12 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Brooks called the call "B.S.," and tension between the two fan bases only got worse after Akiem Hicks received no penalty for sacking Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan in a similar manner a few days later.

Lately, the Saints and the Niners have produced several great games. Several Saints players said they still haven't forgotten the feeling of losing to San Francisco, 36-32, in the 2011 playoffs.

This latest clash should be another quality matchup.

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Re: Most compelling games on the New Orleans Saints' 2014 schedule | No. 2 vs. San Francisco 49ers
 

Re: Most compelling games on the New Orleans Saints' 2014 schedule | No. 2 vs. San Francisco 49ers
 

I do enjoy watching them much better now than in the early years.

Re: Most compelling games on the New Orleans Saints' 2014 schedule | No. 2 vs. San Francisco 49ers
 

Every game is. That one should be a good one.