49ers Saints Betting – 49ers Look To Try Out New Offense Opposite One Of The Best

When opponents walked into the Louisiana Superdome a year ago with the intention of running the ball, the New Orleans Saints were marched all over rather than marching. The ability to defend the run was one of the biggest priorities for a defense that didn’t make the grade a year ago, and the Saints addressed those sports betting issues over the offseason with the addition of some key personnel. While New Orleans struggled defensively, their preseason week one opponent struggled on the other side of the ball, but with a new head coach and a new offensive system the San Francisco 49ers feel as though they can turn that around.
San Francisco 49ers @ New Orleans Saints

Friday August 12, 2011 – 7:00 PM ET

Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

NFL Betting Lines: New Orleans Saints – 3

New 49ers’ head coach has already named Alex Smith his starter, and he would like to see progression throughout the exhibition schedule. Rookie quarterback Colin Kaepernick will also get a chance to showcase his skills this preseason, and it is up to him to make the most of his opportunities.

NFL Betting Preview: San Francisco 49ers

Regardless of whether Smith or Kaepernick is on the field, the quarterback should have more weapons this season than in past years with the return of a healthy Frank Gore, and the continued development of Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, and Josh Morgan. The offensive line isn’t spectacular, but they are a stable group, and should be able to give their quarterbacks time. The biggest question for the 49ers heading into the preseason is their run defense, as the team looks for someone to step up and fill the void left by Aubrayo Franklin after he left for New Orleans. Franklin is one of the best run-stuffing tackles in the game, and he won’t be easily replaced.

NFL Betting Preview: New Orleans Saints

It was the run-stuffing ability that made Franklin such a catch for the Saints, who also added Shaun Rogers to a position in which they already had Sedrick Ellis. New Orleans will need Will Smith and Alex Brown to generate the pass rush off the edges, and while that could be an area of concern they should be much better against the run. Veteran Drew Brees is back under center and that means that head coach Sean Payton will once again look to open up one of the league’s most potent offenses. The biggest changes to the Saints’ offense are in a loaded backfield, where rookie Mark Ingram and free agent signee Darren Sproles join Pierre Thomas, Chris Taylor, Chris Ivory and Joique Bell in competiton for a roster spot.

NFL Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick

Regardless of who is on the field for the New Orleans’ offense they should present a challenge for the 49ers, and while their defense isn’t anything special, they may not be tested too harshly by the San Francisco offense. Fans in the Bay area understand that significant progress will take sports betting bonus time, and will be happy just to see a competitive team this preseason.