3 Bold Predictions For Saints-49ers Week 2 Match Up

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The New Orleans Saints lost to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 by a final score of 20-13. The Saints looked decent at times, but they couldn't come out with the win.
Heading into Week 2, the Saints have a matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers will be without Brock Purdy and George Kittle, among others. There are members of the media who expect the Saints to compete at a high level this week, considering the 49ers will be starting Mac Jones at quarterback. But what's the most realistic outcome?
Here are three predictions for the Saints' Week 2 match-up with the 49ers.
Prediction 1: Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey combine for 150 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns
Neither team will have a prolific passing attack in Week 1. The Saints have Spencer Rattler under center. While he was impressive in Week 1, the team will likely lean on Alvin Kamara on offense. The same can be said about the 49ers and running back Christian McCaffrey.
This potent running back duo will combine for 150 yards rushing and two total touchdowns, whether that's a touchdown a piece or somebody scores twice. Both teams will likely lean on their running game, so it wouldn't be surprising to see both top backs eclipse 100 yards on the ground.
Prediction 2: Nick Bosa records 2+ sacks

Nick Bosa is a game wrecker. Depending on which side he lines up on, he's either going to be faced with rookie Kelvin Banks Jr. or an injured Taliese Fuaga. If Fuaga can't play, it'll be a backup tackle.
Bosa wrecked the game in Week 1, securing six tackles, a sack, three tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. The Saints will do their best to stop Bosa, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him wreck the game again, recording two sacks of Rattler.
Prediction 3: Despite no Brock Purdy, the Saints lose by at least 7 points
With no Purdy for the 49ers, it seems like a lot of the media want to jump on the Saints as underdogs, but New Orleans still has Rattler as its quarterback. Mac Jones and Rattler are very similar in talent, and the 49ers have a much better roster around the position.
While it could feel like an upset brewing, the 49ers should still come out of this game as the victors. They have the better roster from top to bottom. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Saints lose by double digits.
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Zach Pressnell has experience covering all major US sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. He’s produced content for FanSided, Blog Red Machine, The Game Haus, Bethany College Athletics and the Bethany College online newspaper, He graduated from Bethany College (WV) with a degree in Communications and Media Arts, specializing in Sports Journalism. Pressnell was also a four-year member of the baseball team where he earned himself All-PAC recognition as a pitcher (and a cool Tommy John surgery scar). Now, Pressnell specializes in NFL and MLB coverage for Sports Illustrated’s “On SI” network among others. For all business/marketing inquiries, reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org
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