Line: Saints by 3 points.
Hash marks: The Saints have the NFL’s top offense with a breathtaking combination of wide-open scheme, quarterback and running game (when running the ball is required). Sean Payton is the most aggressive head coach left in the playoffs. The Saints have defeated the 49ers six consecutive times, averaging 31 points.
The Saints win if: Prolific quarterback Drew Brees continues to shine. Brees not only had a record-setting 2011 season for yards passing (5,476), he’s thrown for at least 400 yards in his last two playoff games.
The 49ers win if: They can create turnovers. The 49ers led the NFL in turnover margin at plus-28, an extraordinary number. They committed a league-low 10 turnovers and tied for the league lead by creating 38 turnovers. No wonder Jim Harbaugh’s first season as San Francisco’s coach was a big success.
Saints player on the spot: Running back Darren Sproles arguably was the best free-agent acquisition by any team this season. He brings versatility to a high-powered offense, having produced 2,696 all-purpose yards.
49ers player on the spot: Quarterback Alex Smith, a former No. 1 overall draft pick, has resurrected his career in Harbaugh’s low-risk offense. Smith has won 14 of his last 17 starts and avoided the turnovers that threatened to end his career before Harbaugh arrived from Stanford. This will be Smith’s first start in the playoffs.
Bet you didn’t know: The Brees-powered Saints have scored at least 30 points in their last five playoff games.
Key matchup: 49ers defensive line vs. Saints guards Carl Nicks and Jahri Evans. Nicks and Evans provide Brees with Pro Bowl protection and reduce the traffic in front of the QB. San Francisco defensive end Justin Smith is a Pro Bowler too.
The call: Saints 28-17
Jeff Legwold, The Denver Post
