THREE THINGS TO KNOW
1. DIVISIONAL SUCCESS: The Saints are 2-0 in the divisional round since Sean Payton took over in 2006. They defeated Philadelphia in 2006 and Arizona in 2009 to advance to the NFC title game.
2. BACK IN BUSINESS: Candlestick Park, the site of 17 postseason games between 1987 and 2002, will host its first playoff game in nearly a decade after the 49ers had eight non-winning seasons from 2002-10.
3. LUCKY NUMBER: The Saints and 49ers each won 13 games in the regular season and combined to go 26-6 (.813), which is tied for the second-highest combined winning percentage for two teams in a divisional playoff.
WHO HAS THE EDGE
Offense — Saints
Defense – 49ers
Special teams — 49ers
Intangibles – Saints
PREDICTION
After scoring 40 or more points in their last four games, the Saints may be slowed a little by the 49ers’ stingy defense. But they should find a way to get it done in the end.
SAINTS 24, 49ERS 19
Sheldon Mickles