49ers' 5 keys to winning without Purdy, Kittle at New Orleans Saints

"NEW ORLEANS Open with back-to-back road wins, then finish deep in the playoffs, maybe even the Super Bowl. That is the 49ers' script for odd-numbered years, or so it has played out in 2019, '21 and '23. That history surely will spark boundless optimism Sunday if the 49ers beat the host Saints to follow up a season-opening comeback win in Seattle."

"The 49ers' Christian McCaffrey and the Saints' Alvin Kamara are two of the NFL's most versatile running backs, and they've been that since arriving in the 2017 NFL Draft. Look for each offense to rely on them more than their quarterback. McCaffrey sidestepped last week's calf issue to wrack up 142 yards (69 rushing, 73 receiving) in the opening win at Seattle. It was his 31st career game with 50-plus rushing and 50-plus receiving yards, the second-most behind Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk's 41."

"Such is life in the NFL, where injuries wreak havoc, perhaps even more so with the 49ers. Ironically, the 49ers had to cancel a joint practice in last year's training camp with the Saints because of injury attrition. The Saints are undergoing their own roster upheaval. For as much talk as the 49ers' defense has generated with a new cast around Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, the Saints entered this season with 25 new players under first-year coach Kellen Moore."

Odd-numbered years have seen the 49ers open with road wins and finish deep in the playoffs, including strong runs in 2019, 2021 and 2023. The 49ers seek a follow-up win in New Orleans after a comeback at Seattle but will likely be missing quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle due to Week 1 injuries. Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara remain central, often carrying more offensive load than quarterbacks; McCaffrey gained 142 yards in Seattle and has 31 games with 50+ rushing and 50+ receiving yards. The 49ers' defense features new pieces around Nick Bosa and Fred Warner while the Saints adjusted their roster with 25 new players under coach Kellen Moore.

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