I said at the beginning of the season that I thought the Saints would be
OK, despite 'Bountygate' - only for New Orleans to look completely
lost. Luckily, they seem to have put that behind them now and are
building up a head of steam that could see them go above .500 with a win
today.
Colin Kaepernick was outstanding last week; with a straightforward
gameplan, he executed and the 49ers offense looked great. The Saints
defense will find it difficult tonight, with an offense with power on
the ground and targets deep that can get plenty of separation against
guys like Patrick Robinson and Jabari Greer.
New Orleans need to pressure Kaepernick, but they don't have much of
a pass rush. Frank gore will be going up against Jonathan Vilma, Curtis
Lofton and David Hawthorne - a linebacking corps that is improving (and
getting fit) recently and this reflects the general improvement of the
Saints on defense.
Drew Brees and his offense are beginning to look like who they ought
to be, and although San Francisco are one of the toughest stop units
around, if they have a weakness, it is vertically. I suspect what has
been a promising New Orleans run game will be choked off, but deeper,
Marques Colston, Jimmy Graham and Lance Moore could prosper.
The 49ers are shifting time zones off a short week against a
powerful offense that has momentum. It should be a great game, but I'll
take the points.
Pick: New Orleans Saints +2 @ 1.91
Pick: 1st TD Jimmy Graham @ 8.5
Pick: Anytime TD Michael Crabtree @ 2.1
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