Joe D'Amico's NFL Divisional Playoff Total of the Year

New Orleans vs. San Francisco, 01/14/2012 16:30 EDT, Score: 32 - 36

Total: -105/+47 Over

Sportsbook: Intertops

Result: Win

Today's winner is New Orleans/San Francisco OVER. This is my Divisional Playoff Total of the Year.

Granted, New Orleans doesn't seem to be the same team on the road as they are at home, but they are rolling right now. Winners of 9 in a row, the Saints have scored 42 or more in 5 of their L9. Overall, NO is 2nd in the league in scoring (34.2 PPG) and 1st in yardage (467.1 YPG). Their defense allows 21.2 PPG and 368.4 YPG overall. They rank 30th against the pass (259.8 YPG in the air) and 1087.6 YPG on the ground (12th). San Francisco has faced some poor offensive units. I'm not saying that they don't deserve their praise but even the solid teams they have faced aren't known for their offensive prowess (Pittsburgh and Baltimore). They are incredible against the run, yielding just 77.2 YPG on the ground. But that just tells me that New Orleans will plan for this. The 49ers offense can and will move the chains and score as well. This is a team that passes off the run. HC, Jim Harbaugh will have his offense ready to rock. The first round bye allowed San Fran QB, Alex Smith and RB, Frank Gore to rest and heal. The OVER is 7-0 ATS in the L7 meetings between these two teams, 4-1-1 ATS the L6 overall meetings, 7-1-1 ATS in the Saints L9 Playoff games, and 11-5 ATS in the 49ers L16 vs. the NFC. Take the OVER. Thank you.