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Come Fan with UsThursday, June 25, 2026

NFC Divisional Playoffs, Saints Vs. 49ers: Niners Offense Is Really An Unknown

The San Francisco 49ers host the New Orleans Saints on Saturday, with the 49ers defense matching up with the Saints offense. It's the proverbial irresistible force vs. the immovable object. A big wild card in the game however will the the San Francisco 49ers offense, and just really what to expect from it. James Brady at SB Nation Bay Area points out, the Niners offers is really an unknown commodity.

But Alex Smith and the passing game are wild cards. Could they have their best game this season? They sure can, considering the state of the Saints defense from week-to-week. But who will contribute to that? Who will be the focal point? There are plenty of players that can get open and get things done with the ball in their hands, but the 49ers haven’t established much offensive identity through 16 games under Jim Harbaugh.

The Niners have the No. 29 ranked passing offense in the NFL, but still managed a 13-3 record thanks to their running game and suffocating defense. The San Francisco receivers saw just two players catch more than 20 passes in Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis, but had seven players catch anywhere from 10 to 20 passes on the season. There's a lot of unknown in the Niners passing offense and that could help them against the Saints defense who's given up big plays in the passing game.

For more on the 49ers, check out Niners Nation and SB Nation Bay Area, and for the Saints check out Canal Street Chronicles. Here’s a look at the complete 2012 NFL playoffs schedule.

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