SF 49ers vs. Saints: 5 matchups that’ll determine Week 10 outcome
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: SF 49ers defense vs. Saints WR Michael Thomas
Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas has been quite the anomaly this season, missing all but two games this year due to injuries and team-disciplinary actions.
Still, the two-time first-team All-Pro remains a serious threat against a banged-up and shorthanded secondary. Sure, the SF 49ers could get veteran cornerback Richard Sherman back from an elongated calf injury this weekend, which would help solidify the defensive backfield alongside fellow corner Jason Verrett.
Yet the Niners are going to be without starting strong safety Jaquiski Tartt, who just landed on short-term injured reserve with a toe injury.
San Francisco, too, has to defend against former 49ers wideout Emmanuel Sanders, opening up even more chances for Thomas.
And Niners fans won’t soon forget Thomas’ 11-catch, 134-yard, one-touchdown game against their team last year, and there’s a very good chance the standout wide receiver puts up another stat line like that if the SF 49ers can’t figure out a way to guard Mike.