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The San Francisco 49ers have been one of the most dominant teams in the NFL all year long. However, they might have hit a snag, and now they will face the New Orleans Saints.
After starting the year 8-0, San Francisco is just 2-2 in four games since then. A 10-2 record is still fantastic, but it actually pushed them out of the NFC West lead.
Now holding on to a playoff spot, the 49ers need some wins.
Sure, a postseason bid is almost ensured already. But losing that division lead makes things a lot worse. If the season ended last week, the 49ers would have had a first week bye and home field advantage. Now they are looking at neither.
It gets no easier either. In Week 14, they face another tough test in the 10-2 New Orleans Saints. Here are four reasons they could defeat them.
Running Attack
The 49ers have one of the better running attacks in all of football. That's because they have three running backs that have been exceptional this year.
Tevin Coleman has been dangerous, as he always is. He gives San Francisco a running back that can make plays on the ground, as well as in the air. Coleman is averaging 3.8 yards per carry and leads the team with six rushing touchdowns. He also has 20 receptions for 173 more yards and another touchdown.
Then there's Matt Breida, who continues to grow into one of the better backs in the entire NFL. He is averaging 5.0 yards per carry and has a touchdown of his own. Breida also has 16 receptions for 110 more yards and another touchdown.
Finally, there's Raheem Mostert, the breakout star many weren't expecting. He is averaging 5.9 yards per carry and has three touchdowns. He also has the only fumble between the three backs. Mostert has 10 receptions for another 119 yards and one more touchdown as well.
Those three have helped San Francisco win a lot of games this season. They are all set to be active in Week 14, and that could help lead them to a win.
Defense
The defense of the 49ers has been elite in 2019. They are first in total yards given up per game with just 250.9. Meanwhile, they are second in points allowed per game (15.3) and are fourth with 24 takeaways.
San Francisco has not allowed much all year.
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Yes, the Saints pose a serious threat, but the 49ers have shown they can usually contain anything an opponent throws at them.
New Orleans can win a game in many ways. However, nearly all of their wins this year have featured a bucket of points. The 49ers are one of the few teams in the NFL which can contain that.
If the defense can stop the New Orleans offense, while the running attack can get going, San Francisco is in a great spot. This will help them control the pace of the game and time of possession. Owning those two sounds like a recipe for winning if you ask me.
George Kittle
Honestly, I don't think the 49ers have an especially strong passing attack. Jimmy Garoppolo is not a superstar quarterback. He has been solid overall, but has also had some really bad games.
It also does not help him that his weapons are limited. The receivers aren't instilling fear into opposing defenses.
That being said, there is one star in the passing game. Tight end George Kittle. This is the exact type of game he could feast in. The 49ers might be desperate to get anything going in the passing game, and that's when they will lean on him.
With Kittle's unique size, athleticism and speed combination, it's hard to find anyone on the Saints who can perfectly match up with him.
This could lead to the tight end having a big day. That usually leads to a San Francisco win.
Pass Rush
I've already talked about the defense, but the pass rush needs a little extra recognition. Arik Armstead has 10 sacks. Meanwhile, Nick Bosa has eight of his own. Oh, and DeForest Buckner and Dee Ford both have 6.5 a piece as well.
In total, the 49ers have 45 sacks. That's the second most in the NFL (the Carolina Panthers are in first with 46 sacks).
The Saints have Michael Thomas. It's almost impossible to stop him. The Niners must therefore get to Drew Brees as fast as possible. They have the talent to do that. If they do, they could walk out of Week 14 with their biggest statement win of 2019.
