San Francisco 49ers

49ers vs Saints: Two Teams Headed in Opposite Directions

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints are headed in almost directly opposite directions. As the two teams meet at the midpoint of the NFL season, the Saints look to make a playoff push while the 49ers will compete for the first overall pick.

When it comes to teams headed in opposite directions, it doesn’t get much more blatantly clear than the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints.

The Saints, after losing their first three games, have managed to win three of four. The 49ers, after a blowout Week 1 victory, have lost six straight. While the Saints offense has gotten up to speed, the 49ers continue to struggle moving the ball.

At 3-4, the Saints remain in the thick of the NFC Wild Card race — and can still catch the NFC South-leading Atlanta Falcons. Meanwhile, the 49ers are a Browns victory or two away from the first overall pick.

The biggest difference between these two teams, however, could come down to one word: Resiliency.

The Saints have dealt with adversity before. Sean Payton and Drew Brees have been in the league for quite some time. The Saints know success. Key pieces from their Super Bowl-winning squad still remain. The rest of the team has been built around them.

San Francisco, on the other hand, has just three starters remaining from their Super Bowl appearance in February of 2013. Joe Staley recently headlined trade rumors. Ahmad Brooks and Colin Kaepernick receive substantial criticism.

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That kind of core is not getting the 49ers back to a Super Bowl, let alone the playoffs.

The Saints have their problems, yes. But they are an organization equipped to deal with controversy. That is why, come Sunday, two teams will face one another as they progress to opposite destinations.

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