49ers vs Saints Picks, Preview & Odds – Public Betting Niners, Sharps Taking New Orleans

• Backed by the public , the San Francisco 49ers visit New Orleans on Sunday as improved 2-point road underdogs
• The 10-2 49ers are coming off a heartbreaking 20-17 loss to Baltimore, but remain in the hunt for the top seed in the NFC
• Read the betting preview below for our pick in the battle between two of the top teams in the conference

Fueled by strong backing from public sports bettors, the San Francisco 49ers have improved to 2-point road underdogs in the Week 14 NFL odds ahead of their date with the NFC South-leading New Orleans Saints on Sunday afternoon.

NFL Week 14 – 49ers vs Saints Odds

*Odds taken 12/07/19

Niners Gain Ground Since Opening as 3-Point Dogs

San Francisco opened as a 3-point underdog in the wake of the team’s heartbreaking 20-17 loss in Baltimore last weekend, but have made steady gains at the sportsbooks as the clock ticks down to kickoff Sunday at the Mercedes Benz Superdome.

NFC Playoff Standings heading into Week 14 ⚜️#Saints pic.twitter.com/NUHO9DK7B3

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 3, 2019

The 49ers have stumbled since opening the season on a torrid 8-0 SU run, falling to defeat in two of their past four outings. The Niners’ loss to the Ravens as 6-point underdogs proved to be particularly damaging. The Seattle Seahawks recorded a narrow 27-24 win in San Francisco four weeks ago, and extended their current SU win streak to five games with last weekend’s 37-30 win over Minnesota, toppling the Niners from their perch atop the NFC West standings, and dumping them to the No. 5 seed in the conference.

San Francisco has produced streaky results against the spread, going 3-3-1 ATS in their past seven, and just 1-2 ATS in their past three road contests.

San Francisco has produced streaky results against the spread, going 3-3-1 ATS in their past seven, and just 1-2 ATS in their past three road contests. However, that has not dampened the enthusiasm of public sports bettors, with 67% of all bets and 65% of the betting handle getting laid on San Francisco this weekend.

49ers Among NFL Top Offenses

Of course, there is lots to like about this team. The 49ers have averaged 31 points per game over their past three contests, and now sport the NFL’s second-ranked offense, trailing only the Ravens with 29.1 points per game. San Francisco has also been dominant on defense when playing on the road this season, surrendering just 14.3 points per game while marching to a 5-1 SU record.

The 49ers held Baltimore to 283 yards (their second-fewest of the season), and 20 points (their fewest of the season). What a defense.

— Skinny Legs Caruthers (@KyleAMadson) December 1, 2019

Overall, the Niners’ defense has been largely effective at containing opposing passers, giving up an NFL-best 134.6 yards per game, and under 106 yards per game over their past three contests. It will remain critically important for them to extend that trend against the Saints, and quarterback Drew Brees, who has connected on three scoring passes in three of his five outings since his return from injury.

Payton on @CantGuardMike being an MVP candidate:

"The focus, and Michael would say the same thing, is on winning – being part of a championship team. That's the goal. The other things you can't control."#Saints pic.twitter.com/XcOfTriu0j

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 27, 2019

Michael Thomas has remained Brees’ favorite target. The 26-year-old has been key to the Saints’ success this season, regardless of who has been under center. Thomas has racked up over 100 receiving yards in seven outings, including five of his past six, but mustered a season-low 48 yards on six catches in last weekend’s 26-18 win over Atlanta.

Can Jimmy G Rise to the Occasion?

But the real concern for the 49ers will be the performance of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who was limited to just 15 completions for 165 yards and one score against the Ravens last weekend. Garoppolo also struggled badly in the team’s 27-24 overtime loss to Seattle last month, going 24-for-46 for just one score while being picked off once, and sacked five times.

Jimmy Garoppolo posted season-worst figures for comp% (52.2), YPA (5.4) & sacks (5) in OT loss to Seattle.

The #49ers are good enough to beat most teams with pedestrian QB play, but will need Jimmy G to raise his level of play to win the big ones pic.twitter.com/EFlplvWfuD

— Kevin Boilard (@KevinBoilard) November 12, 2019

With receivers Marquise Goodwin and Dante Pettis uncertain for Sunday, Garoppolo’s most reliable targets will once again be tight end George Kittle and rookie receiver Deebo Samuel. They could be in tough against a Saints pass defense that has held opposing passers to under 200 yards in three of four home games. They’ve piled up 22 sacks through the team’s six home contests.

Sharp Money on the Saints

Not surprisingly, 63% of sharp money is getting laid on the faded Saints, who can take a huge step towards guaranteeing themselves a first-round playoff bye with a win on Sunday. New Orleans has largely dominated the 49ers in recent meetings, posting SU wins in eight of 11. However, the Saints are winless in two of three home dates with the Niners, and have been a betting disappointment of late when favored at home by three or fewer points, losing outright in five of their past eight.

NFC South Champions!

Saints win their third consecutive NFC South Title, beating the Falcons 26-18 after a wild onside finish. New Orleans sacked Matt Ryan nine times.

pic.twitter.com/6OKbDPIVbK

— NFL Guy95 (@NFLFBGAMETIME) November 29, 2019

But with the pressure squarely on the shoulders on Jimmy G and the 49ers, and experience clearly on the side of the Saints, look for New Orleans to reward loyal sports bettors this weekend with a decisive victory.

Picks: Saints -2 (-110); OVER 44.5 (-110)