Since Drew Brees and offensive mastermind Sean Payton united in New Orleans in 2006, the duo have been the backbone of one of the NFL's most unstoppable offenses, particularly in the Superdome, where they are 9-0 this season.

A dominant 45-28 victory over the Detroit Lions in the first round, with Brees completing 33-43 passes for 466 yards and 3 TD's, pushed their home playoff record in New Orleans to 4-0.

It's a different story on the road, as the Saints have lost both road playoff games -- a 2007 second-round game at Soldier Field in Chicago and a 2011 first-round game at Qwest Field in Seattle -- in Brees' tenure there.

While he was still effective in both losses, they do provide a blueprint for the San Francisco 49ers when they host New Orleans in windy Candlestick Park on Saturday.

San Franciso, with a strong ground game led by Frank Gore that can control the clock as well as a dominant front seven capable of harassing Brees in the pocket, has the pieces to challenge a Saints offense that has seemed invincible at times this year.