Top 4 teams to challenge 49ers for NFC crown in 2020
By Peter Panacy
49ers Challenger No. 1: New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints, not the Packers, were clearly the second-best team in the NFC a year ago. And one can only wonder how the conference standings would have panned out if the Niners lost that thrilling Week 14 road game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome or if San Francisco lost in Week 17 at Seattle.
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The 49ers didn’t lose those contests, though, and managed to hold onto the No. 1 seed. But with the new playoff format this season, only one team per conference will get that Week 1 playoff bye.
And the Saints could legitimately challenge for that, too.
New Orleans, the conference’s other 13-3 squad from a year ago, made some excellent offseason moves, although parting ways with Pro Bowl guard Larry Warford could prove harmful if rookie lineman Cesar Ruiz doesn’t develop quickly.
Still, the Saints plucked away Emmanuel Sanders from San Francisco, giving quarterback Drew Brees another potent weapon to pair with All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas.
Barring injury or Brees completely melting away, New Orleans’ offense will again be prolific in 2020.
The Saints defense should be improved, too, especially after bringing aboard veteran safety Malcolm Jenkins.
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Fortunately or unfortunately enough, San Francisco again gets the honor of visiting the Saints in New Orleans this season in what should be a barnburner of a contest in Week 10.