By Simon Evans

(Reuters) – The New Orleans Saints, looking for their second Super Bowl appearance in three seasons, take their offensive firepower to San Francisco for Saturday’s divisional round playoff where they will face the formidable defense of the 49ers.

It should be a fascinating encounter as the Saints had the National Football League’s (NFL) top total offense during the regular season while the 49ers had the NFC’s top defense.

Coach Jim Harbaugh’s 49ers have the top defense against the rush, and while the Saints have been increasingly effective in the running game this season, they remain the most potent passing team in the league.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees racked up an NFL record 5,476 yards this season, eclipsing Dan Marino’s previous record which had stood for 27 years.

Last week, New Orleans broke the record for postseason yards with 626 in a 45-28 win over the Detroit Lions that extended their winning streak to nine games.

Harbaugh, making his post-season debut in his first year in the pro game, has no illusions about the quality of opponent his team are facing.