Saints vs 49ers: Game Preview and Matchup History

I think we all know too well how these two teams matchup and the recent history here. But let's take a closer look just for the hell of it, shall we?

By Dave Cariello Nov 22, 2012, 6:00am CST

49ers lead the NFL, allowing only 13.4 points per game (134 points).
In last year's Divisional playoff, QB Alex Smith had 3 TDs, 0 INTs and a 103.2 rating. He also added a 28-yard TD run.
In his career (including playoffs), San Francisco is 15-0 when Smith starts and has a 100+ rating (min. 15 attempts).
QB Colin Kaepernick had 2 TDs, 0 INTs and a 133.1 rating in his first career start last week.
RB Frank Gore rushed for 112 yards with a TD and had 7 catches for 56 yards with a TD in his last regular season meeting vs. the Saints.
In last year's Divisional playoff, TE Vernon Davis had 7 catches for 180 yards and 2 TDs, including the game-winning TD with 0:09 remaining.
Since 2009 Davis leads NFC tight ends with 35 TDs (including playoffs).
WR Michael Crabtree has 4 TDs in his past three games.
LB Aldon Smith has 29 career sacks, most by player in his first 26 games.
Smith had 5.5 sacks last week.
The Saints have won 5 of their past 6 games.
QB Drew Brees is 5-0 in the regular season vs. San Francisco with a 107.2 rating, 12 TDs and 2 INTs.
In the Divisional playoff, Brees passed for 462 yards and 4 TDs.
TE Jimmy Graham had 5 catches for 103 yards and 2 TDs in the Divisional playoff.
WR Marques Colston has 55 career TDs and needs one to pass Deuce McAlister for most by Saint.
Colston has 7 TDs in his past seven games.
Colston had 9 catches for 136 yards and a TD in the Divisional playoff.
Colston had his first career 3-TD game vs. San Francisco (10/28/07).

	49ERS	SAINTS
SERIES LEADER	45-24-2
STREAKS		9 of past 11
COACHES VS. OPP.	Harbaugh: 1-0	Vitt: 0-0
LAST WEEK	W 32-7 vs. Bears	W 38-17 at Raiders
LAST REG SEA GAME	9/20/10: Saints 25 at 49ers 22. New Orleans RB Reggie Bush & TE David Thomas each record rec. TD. Saints K Garrett Hartley converts 3 FGs, including game winner as time expires.
LAST REG SEA GAME AT SITE	9/28/08: Saints 31, 49ers 17. New Orleans WR Lance Moore records 101 rec. yards & 2 TD catches (5, 33) from QB Drew Brees. Saints WR Robert Meachem adds 47-yard TD rec.
BROADCAST	FOX (3:25 PM CT): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 91 (SF), 86 (NO). XM: 230 (NO).

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