San Francisco 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints: 5 Bold predictions for Week 14

2. Kittle tears up depleted linebackers for 10 catches, 125 yards

For the most part this season, 49ers tight end George Kittle has been relatively matchup-proof. En route to posting 54 catches for 687 yards and three touchdowns in just 10 games, he’s been held below 50 receiving yards in only two games this year, the latest coming last week against the Ravens as he had only two catches for 14 yards. Moreover, he’s topped 100 yards twice on the year.

As mentioned, linebackers Alonso and Klein have already been ruled out for the 49ers. That will not just affect the Niners run game but also their passing attack. Considering the size and quickness of Kittle, New Orleans doesn’t have the safety to play to match up with him that way. As such, Kittle is going to work the middle of the field and have a monster day with double-digit receptions and north of 125 yards.

1. Brees, Kamara shut down by Niners defense

Due to his hand injury suffered earlier this season, Drew Brees has only started seven games in 2019. However, he’s been good in those games, averaging 255.9 yards per game on the season. Alvin Kamara, however, has had a down year by his standards. In 10 games, the running back has been held to just 587 rushing yards and only 444 receiving yards with just two touchdowns.

Neither Brees nor Kamara will be able to fully get going on Sunday afternoon, though. Though Brees will find Thomas for a big game, he’ll find little success elsewhere and will be held below 225 yards passing. Moreover, Kamara will be held under 50 total yards on the day as San Francisco’s elite defense will have answers for everybody on New Orleans’ offense not named Michael Thomas.