The New Orleans Saints are getting set to take on the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game this Sunday, and one of the keys will be who wins the battle between Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas and Rams cornerback Marcus Peters.

Both are among the best in the game at their respective positions, and New Orleans head coach Sean Payton is well aware of that fact.

Back on Nov. 4, the Saints defeated the Rams in a 45-35 shootout at the Superdome, and afterward, Payton said it was “fine by us” that Los Angeles had Peters covering Thomas all game.

Peters then responded, telling Payton to “keep talking that (expletive)” because the Rams would meet the Saints again soon.

Peters' prophecy proved to be correct, and now, Payton is making sure to let everyone know that he has a lot of respect for the Los Angeles defensive back:

“I have great respect for him and it’s all good,” Payton said, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk.

Payton also added that the back-and-forth between him and Peters earlier in the year was nothing but playful banter, and Rams head coach Sean McVay chimed in, as well, saying that it is all in good fun.

Earlier in the week, Peters took to Twitter to post that it's “gumbo week,” which was an obvious reference to New Orleans table fare. He has since deleted that tweet.

Peters is in his first year with the Rams after coming over in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs during the offseason.