49ers vs. Saints: Why Dominant Ground Game Will Decide Marquee Matchup

November 8, 2014   ·   Craig Vanderkam   ·   Jump to comments

Despite identical 4-4 records, the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers are two teams heading in opposite directions prior to their Week 10 matchup at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
While the 49ers have lost two straight, have fallen three games behind Arizona in the NFC West and approach doom-and-gloom territory entering a game that's been touted as a “must-win” by NFL.com's Elliot Harrison, the Saints have won back-to-back games and lead the NFC South, which does not feature a team over .500. Furthermore, the Saints begin a stretch of three straight games at home, where they have won 11 straight by an average margin of 16.8 points.
The rushing attack has affected recent results for both teams for different reasons, as Mark Ingram—272 yards rushing on 54 carries over the last two games—has given the Saints a spark, while the 49ers have combined for only 142 yards on the ground over their two-game losing streak.
The outcome this Sunday will be...

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