Sunday’s NFL preseason action is serving up an intriguing matchup between the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers.
The Niners narrowly lost to the Titans in their opener but our Saints vs. 49ers predictions
Saints vs 49ers prediction
My best bet
49ers -1 (-105 at BetMGM)
My analysis
The San Francisco 49ers welcome the New Orleans Saints this Sunday in a game that's seen some line movement since opening.
The total has risen from 36.5 to 38.5 despite both teams failing to hit the total last week, with sharp money backing an offensive display. The 49ers have faded marginally as favorites and are now just favored by a point. Even with that movement, the 49ers are rightful favorites and I'm happy to back them with my best bet.
Quarterback will prove the biggest difference tonight. Derek Carr saw very limited action against the Cardinals and looked poor but while he’s clearly better than his backups, it remains unlikely we’ll see him on Sunday.
That means another fairly even split between Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. Haener is listed second on the depth chart and did more in his time on the field than Rattler last week, at least through the air. We did see Rattler rush for a touchdown, however, and he’ll have eyes on the QB1 role with Carr not cemented as the long-term starter either.
They’re likely to have a fairly even split of time against the Niners and it’ll be down to each player to show why they deserve to be Carr’s backup.
The 49ers quarterback situation is less muddied with them fully invested into Brock Purdy being their long-term guy. The joint practices were canceled between the teams this week due to the rising amount of injuries sustained but we've still heard that Shanahan will play "a number of starters" on Sunday, with Purdy likely to open the game.
That leaves the backup situation with Joshua Dobbs and Brandon Allen competing for that second position on the depth chart. Allen was unspectacular against the Titans and saw Dobbs blow him away.
Dobbs did throw an interception but showcased his upside, going 14/20 for 146 yards, and scored with an impressive 6-yard rushing TD. They’re both fighting for that No. 2 role and this will be another chance for the two men to fight it out.
With the Niners rolling out the starters for at least a couple of drives as well as having the superior backup in Josh Dobbs, we'll take San Fran to cover on Sunday.
Saints vs 49ers odds
Saints vs 49ers live odds
Saints vs 49ers opening odds
- Spread: New Orleans +2.5 | San Francisco -2.5
- Moneyline: New Orleans +125 | San Francisco -150
- Over/Under: Over 35.5 | Under 35.5
Saints vs 49ers betting trend to know
Neither head coach has real pedigree in the preseason. Dennis Allen is now 8-11 and 4-3 during his time with the Saints, while Kyle Shanahan is 11-11. Find more NFL betting trends for Saints vs 49ers.
Saints vs 49ers game info
| Location: | Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA |
| Date: | Sunday, 8-18, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NFL Network |
Saints vs 49ers weather
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