The New Orleans Saints are set to host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. C.T. in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. After the Seattle Seahawks’ victory on Monday Night Football, the Saints now hold the number one seed in the projected NFC playoff picture heading into their clash with the 49ers. A victory here can go a long way towards sealing it.
Both New Orleans and San Francisco have a lot to play for this Sunday. The Saints could solidify their hold on the number one seed in the conference, while the 49ers will look to reclaim their lead in the NFC West and get out of a wild-card spot.
This game will come down to which side can win several key matchups. We’ve broken down a few that could have huge implications on the outcome:
Saints RT Ryan Ramczyk vs. 49ers DE Nick Bosa
Ryan Ramczyk has been an absolutely lockdown tackle for New Orleans this year. His continued success this season has allowed the Saints offense to run efficiently. This year alone, Ramczyk has made the likes of J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney, Dante Fowler, and Shaquil Barrett look pedestrian.
Nick Bosa could pose to be Ramczyk’s toughest foe yet. Bosa is the leading candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year with his eight sacks, 24 tackles, and one interception. However, his contributions go well beyond just the statline. His ability to constantly put pressure on the quarterback disrupts the offense immensely. Ramczyk will have his work cut out for him on Sunday.
Saints RB Alvin Kamara vs. 49ers LB Fred Warner
Kamara has not looked like his usual, dominant self in the last few games since his return from injury back in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons. In just the three games from returning from knee and ankle ailments (not including his part-time role in the Week 6 Jacksonville Jaguars game) the Pro Bowl running back has averaged a lackluster 53.5 rushing yards per game. His role in the passing game has fared only slightly better. With 42 yards receiving per game, Kamara has had a niche in the offense, but it’s still been a far cry from his usual production.
Warner will surely be looking forward to lining up against Kamara on Sunday. Warner has been on an absolute tear this season, especially in pass coverage. The linebacker has been a leader in the San Francisco defense has ranked second in the NFL. The linebacker has improved markedly from his 2018 rookie season and has recorded 71 solo tackles this season. New Orleans’ success will hinge upon Kamra having his best game of the season against the 49ers and Warner.
Saints WR Michael Thomas vs. 49ers CB Richard Sherman
Michael Thomas has had an MVP-caliber season, despite a slow night on Thanksgiving, and will look to rebound in the game against San Francisco. Thomas leads in the NFL in receptions (110) and receiving yards (1290), which is on pace to break Marvin Harrison’s record of 143 receptions set in 2002.
The four-time All Pro cornerback for the 49ers, Richard Sherman, may have something to say about Thomas (when doesn’t Sherman have something to say?) attempting to achieve the reception record. However, Thomas has faced more challenging cornerbacks this year than Sherman. In 2019, Sherman has only recorded three interceptions, all three of which came against three of the most turnover-prone quarterbacks in the league. Thomas should have a big day on Sunday regardless of the big name he will be matching up against across the field.
Saints LB Demario Davis vs. 49ers Running Back Corps
49ers running back Raheem Mostert had his breakout game against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 13 with 146 rushing yards and a touchdown. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan went with the hot hand against Baltimore, and that day it was Mostert, not Tevin Coleman. Michael Breida was out the last two games with an ankle injury, but is expected back in Week 14 against New Orleans. It is anybody’s guess as to which of the three 49ers backs will get the lion’s share of the touches on Sunday, and they should find success — each of them has rushed for more than 450 yards this year.
Davis is one player who won’t care which running back he will have to face on Sunday. The Pro Bowl linebacker, who has arguably been one of the best free agent signings in Saints history, has had a phenomenal 2019 season. Davis has been one of the key factors in the best all-around defenses in the NFL with 68 solo tackles and two sacks on the season. In a defense that has not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 38 consecutive games (including the playoffs), Davis has been at the forefront of that effort. This matchup against the 49ers running back corps should prove no different.
