San Francisco sits at 4-5 and in last place within the NFC West. While the division crown feels out of reach, head coach Kyle Shanahan hasn't given up hope on earning a playoff berth.
"We've got one game in the next 24 days, so hopefully we can get three off, go take care of business versus New Orleans, try to turn this around in the second half because it's still early in the year," Shanahan said after last week's 34-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers. "I know we've still got a chance to get in that tournament at the end of the year, but we've got to recover a little bit here with these three days and make sure we come back and start playing some better football."
According to MyBookie, the Saints opened as 9.5-point favorites (O/U 50.5) over the 49ers in the upcoming matchup at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. New Orleans is coming off a dominant 38-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
San Francisco continues to limp its way through the season, missing its starting quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, best player in tight end George Kittle, and several other key offensive and defensive stars. Instead, it will be Nick Mullens leading the offense against the No. 3-ranked Saints defense when it comes to yards allowed per game.
Meanwhile, the 49ers defense will try to stop quarterback Drew Brees, who is coming off a four-touchdown performance against the Buccaneers defense.
The 49ers and Saints are scheduled to kick off on Sunday at 1:25 p.m. PT (3:25 p.m. CT).
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers playoff picture: Where San Francisco stands heading into Week 18
The San Francisco 49ers boosted their chances of claiming the NFC West title and securing home-field advantage in the NFL playoffs with Sunday night's 42-38 win over the Chicago Bears at Levi's Stadium. A victory in Week 18 against the Seattle Seahawks would catapult San... -
49ers practice and media schedule ahead of Week 17 matchup vs. Bears
The San Francisco 49ers will hold three full practices this week as they prepare for their Week 17 matchup against the Chicago Bears. However, only two will be open to reporters, as there will be no media availability on Christmas Day. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, defensive... -
49ers practice and media schedule ahead of Week 18 matchup vs. Seahawks
The San Francisco 49ers will hold three full practices this week as they prepare for their Week 18 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak, and quarterback Brock Purdy are scheduled... -
Kyle Shanahan previews 49ers-Seahawks Week 18 matchup
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed reporters ahead of Tuesday's practice as the team gears up for its Week 18 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Here's everything he said. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. Opening...