A lot of really well thought out analysis here...very impressive. Of course, like any fan board, a sprinkling of semi-thought out analysis as well.
As for my thoughts, I can see this game going any number of ways...it's an "I'm gonna run out of hands" analysis. On the one hand, I can easily see (especially if we're starting a guy we picked up off the Falcons' practice squad a couple of weeks ago at RT) this game going much like many of you are saying--Niners control both lines of scrimmage, Saints become one-dimensional, Brees takes a lot of hits, Niners run the ball 45+ times, and the Saints are never really in the game. On the other hand, I can also see the Saints offense managing to jump on top early before the Niners defense gets really settled in, leading Kaepernick, a young, physically-gifted, but inexperienced QB playing in what can be a fairly hostile environment to press a little despite the many voices on the sideline that will certainly tell him not to try to do too much, with the result being a couple of timely turnovers either leading to Saints scores or short-circuiting Niners drives..game becomes similar to recent Saints games with defense surrendering tons of yards between the 20s but stiffening at the goal line, and Niners trade some FGs for Saints TDs. On the other other hand...maybe it plays out a whole lot like last year's playoff game, in which case I'd think both sides would be fairly confident as the Niners had over 400 yds of offense and, after all, won the game...while the Saints amassed 470 yds of offense on the Niners defense, playing on the road, after having lost their "lead" RB, Thomas, early in the game, withstood turning the ball over five times, and held the lead with only moments to go in the game. I'm sure in their (Saints players') minds they're thinking no way they turn the ball over five times again, but equally sure the Niners defense feels they won't give up 400 yds passing to Brees again.
The great thing about the NFL is that we all get to actually see for ourselves tomorrow--some of us in person. LOL Looking forward to a great game from both teams!