A glance at today's 49ers game vs. New Orleans; including game information, three keys to the game, matchup to watch and injury report.

THE PARTICULARS

• Time: 1:30 p.m.

• Line: Saints by 4

• Records: 49ers 13-3, Saints 13-3 (1-0)

• TV: FOX40 – Kenny Albert (play-by-play), Daryl Johnston (color), Tony Siragusa (color)

• Radio: ESPN (1320 AM), KNBR (680 AM) – Ted Robinson (play-by-play), Eric Davis (color)

• Why watch? Because this may be the most interesting playoff game of the weekend, a true study in contrasts. Something has to give between Drew Brees' prolific offense and Patrick Willis' stonewall defense.

• Rewind: The host 49ers gave the defending Super Bowl champs all they could handle on Sept. 20 last season, but the Saints eked out a 25-22 win on national TV. New Orleans has won six consecutive against the 49ers.

49ERS' THREE KEYS

• Drew Brees will be the team's focal point, and that goes for the 49ers' offense, as well. The team will give plenty of carries to a well-rested Frank Gore in an attempt to eat up the game clock and keep the ball out of Brees' hands.

• Flummoxing Brees also will be key. The combination of Justin Smith and Aldon Smith – the Missouri Smiths – on the right side of the line has been disruptive all season and must shine today.

• All season long, the 49ers have relied on excellent special-teams play, and today is no different. The Saints must be forced to march the length of the field for scores, and David Akers can't afford any field-goal misses.

SAINTS' THREE KEYS

• The Saints do an excellent job of maintaining a clean pocket for Brees. The work of All-Pro guards Carl Nicks and Jahri Evans will be essential in maintaining Brees' throwing lanes.

• New Orleans was good at establishing the running game last week against Detroit. That will be more difficult against San Francisco's stout run defense but critical in keeping the pass rush off of Brees.

• Interior defensive lineman Aubrayo Franklin was with the 49ers the last time these teams played. He and his teammates must prepare for a heavy dose of up-the-middle running by Gore and the 49ers' ground game.

MATCHUP TO WATCH

49ers safety Dashon Goldson vs. Saints quarterback Drew Brees

Goldson has emerged as one of the top safeties in the NFC, and his six interceptions are tied for the team lead along with cornerback Carlos Rogers. It will be up to Goldson more than anyone on the 49ers' defense to make sure that Brees' long passes to wideouts Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem and Marques Colston don't end up in the end zone. The 49ers can afford to give up a lot of yards this afternoon. What they can't do is give up a lot of points.

INJURY REPORT

49ERS

• Questionable: TE Delanie Walker (jaw), CB Chris Culliver (knee), WR Ted Ginn (ankle), DT Ray McDonald (hamstring), WR Kyle Williams (concussion)

SAINTS

• Out: TE John Gilmore (toe), WR Lance Moore (hamstring)

• Questionable: LB Jonathan Casillas (knee)

• Probable: LB Jonathan Vilma (knee), WR Robert Meachem (knee), S Roman Harper (ankle)

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