The San Francisco 49ers will make the trek halfway across the country to take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 14. The 49ers are coming off a narrow loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 13 as a result of yet another game-winning kick from Justin Tucker.
In the game, San Francisco was actually able to out-gain the Ravens' offense, 331 yards to 283. The major difference was that Lamar Jackson was able to control the game as he rushed for 101 yards and a score on the ground.
As for the Saints, they were able to squeak out a victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Thanksgiving. Both the 49ers and Saints are 10-2 and have made their cases as favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
In light of that, here are three keys to victory for San Francisco in Week 14 against the Saints.
3. Avoid giving the ball back to Drew Brees
Kyle Shanahan's offense is predicated on being able to run the ball effectively. At the same time, New Orleans' defense has been stout against the run, holding teams to just 88.6 rushing yards per game (third-fewest in the NFL).
In the event that the 49ers are unable to run the ball successfully, it will be up to Jimmy Garoppolo to make plays. While he may have to put the ball in the air, Garoppolo has to avoid turning the ball over in a hostile environment.
Even with Drew Brees nearing the end of his career, he can still make teams pay for making crucial errors. If San Francisco can have a zero in the turnover column on Sunday, they should be in a decent spot to win.
2. Contain Alvin Kamara
When watching the Saints, it's obvious that there is something off with Alvin Kamara this year. Nevertheless, Kamara is still one of the best dual-threat running backs in the NFL.
In his first two seasons in the NFL, Kamara averaged 9.5 yards per reception. As for this year, the Saints' dynamic rusher only averages 6.9 yards per reception.
With that in mind, it will be important for San Francisco to prevent Kamara from being effective on the ground and through the air on Sunday.
1. Make the other wide receivers besides Michael Thomas beat you
While the NFL's MVP Award is undoubtedly going to go to a quarterback, Michael Thomas deserves a vote. The All-Pro wide receiver has 110 receptions for 1,290 yards and six touchdowns so far this season.
In the moments that Brees takes to the air, the first option on nearly every play is Thomas. Therefore, it's vital that the 49ers know where Thomas is on every single play.
The 49ers' best option to slowing down the passing attack of the Saints is to make the other wide receivers on the roster beat them. But with New Orleans constantly moving Thomas around, that is easier said than done.
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