Why 49ers vs. Saints Will Be the Grossest Matchup of Week 2

Drew Thirion|published: Sat 13th September, 08:43 2025

Sep 7, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) is tackled during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Going into week two of the NFL season, nobody expected Mac Jones to get any playing time, especially on a San Francisco team looking to rebound from a rough 2024 season and return to the playoffs.

Unfortunately, the injury bug is already poking its head out in the Bay Area, with Brock Purdy sidelined for the next two to five weeks. That’s not all for the 49ers, as tight end George Kittle is out, and wide receiver Jauan Jennings will likely be off the game day roster.

Maybe worst of all, star left tackle Trent Williams is a game-time decision. His ability to shut down opposing pass rushers would significantly ease Mac Jones’ life, giving him far more time to complete his reads.

Before the injury to Purdy, the 49ers were one of the most popular survivor picks, but there’s no way you could take them this week now! However, you’re always going to feel solid picking against Spencer Rattler.

The biggest issue with this one is that it’s nearly impossible to bet. The Niners opened as a heavy 7.5-point favorite on the road, but the line has quickly shifted down four points, and it’s becoming a gross line to take. The total has also shifted down three points to 40.5, as Vegas is expecting this one to be a rock fight.

With all the injuries plaguing the 49ers, is this enough now to bet on the Saints? 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey was bottled up last week by an average Seahawks defense, being held to only 69 yards on 22 carries. I wouldn’t be surprised if this week was quite similar. Both of these teams played ugly, low-scoring week ones filled with lots of bad football; this game screams take the under.

These teams' leading receivers are Ricky Pearsall and Juwann Johnson. Those are wildly uninspiring play-making options, so for the game, I think I’m leaning towards taking the home underdog. Taking a home team getting points tends to be a foolproof method in college football, but I’m looking for this trend to carry over to an NFL team that’s as close as we have to being a college football team.

If Alvin Kamara can keep this offense on schedule in the run game, then the Saints can turn this horrid game into a possession-based chess match, something I think favors a Saints team that isn’t replacing their kicker just one game into the season.