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5.) Motivation
The last time the San Francisco 49ers played the New Orleans Saints they left the Mercedes-Benz Superdome feeling cheated and robbed. With 3:12, left on the clock and a 20-17 lead, Ahmad Brooks delivered what seemed like a game clinching sack fumble only to have it nullified by a questionable Unnecessary Roughness penalty. Many 49ers were visibly disturbed by the call and that perceived robbery could translate into some real motivation on the field this Sunday.

4.) NFC West Desperation
Currently the San Francisco 49ers are third in the NFC West and are only one game above being dead last. The 49ers have already equaled last year’s loss total and more importantly appear to be on the outside looking in for the NFC Playoff Picture. The 49ers trail the Cardinals by 3 games and have a losing record within the division; it seems their only shot at the playoffs will be a wildcard berth. A loss this Sunday will be a fourth NFC loss and the 49ers playoff hopes cannot afford that.

3.)Turnovers, Turnovers, Turnovers
The San Francisco 49ers defense ranks 10th, in the NFL, in forcing turnovers with 13 turnovers forced this season (9 INTs & 4 Fum.). The New Orleans Saints offense ranks 7th, in the league, in giveaways, a statistic that could play a pivotal role in who wins this game. In the last 3 meetings, between these two teams, the 49ers have forced the Saints into 10 turnovers not including last years reversed sack fumble. If the giving Saints hand the 49ers defense the ball, as history suggest, Sunday’s outcome will heavily favor the road team.

2.)Rushing Defense
The New Orleans Saints success this season has been tied to the running game. The Saints average more carries (30.8 vs. 22.3 in losses) and more yards (136.5 vs 122.5 in losses). Lucky for the 49ers, their rushing defense has been one of the more stout units in the NFL. This season, through 8 games, the 49ers are allowing a 5th best 85.6 yards per game on the ground. The stingy 49ers have only surrendered 5 scores on the ground. If the 49ers plan to halt the resurgent Saints the rushing defense may be the key.

1.) 3 Game Slide
For most NFL teams, in the playoff hunt, losing two games in a row can be a death sentence, but for this bunch it may be a God send. Under Jim Harbaugh, the 49ers have never lost three consecutive games. In fact in three games following a second straight loss, the team is giving up only 12.7 points while scoring 29.3. Since Harbaugh arrived, the 49ers have been a resilient and tough minded team. If the 49ers are able to keep that laser focus this Sunday against the Saints, chances are they will avoid the dreaded three game slide yet again.

Stay tuned for Five Reasons the Saints will beat the 49ers.

5 Reasons the San Francisco 49ers will beat the New Orleans Saints - Crescent City Kings