San Francisco @ New Orleans: Superstar Colin needs a nickname

CK Maxx and Michael Crabtree enjoy drubbing Chicago - another big test awaits

Can a man called Colin win the Superbowl? If he beats the Saints...then maybe

The Niners couldn't have been any more impressive against the Bears on last week's Monday Night Football, displaying a ruthless streak on defence and unleashing spectacular second-string quarterback Colin Kaepernick. CK was only playing because of an injury to regular QB Alex Smith but might well have landed himself the starting job after what was one of the best QB debuts since, well, RGIII's debut for Washington in week one of this season.

Someone's going to have to find the kid a decent nickname pronto 'cos in a league featuring nicknames such as Megatron and The Mossiah, and real names such as D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Captain Munnerlyn... plain, old Colin just doesn't cut it.

This phenom seems to be able to do everything well, both physically and mentally, and with a great defence to back him up could be only a half-season away from immortality. Forget Colin, how about 'CK Maxx'?

How much of San Francisco's domination was down to their own great play or Chicago's below par effort is the crucial question; and I'm inclined to believe the Bears stunk more than the Niners shined. We'll find out for certain this weekend as there is no sterner test for a defence than Drew Brees pulling the strings at QB behind a resurgent running game.

The Saints are red-hot, having downed the unbeaten Falcons among others during a three game winning streak that has them dreaming of the post season again after a disastrous 0-4 start to the season. Their power-run game from a variety of backs gives balance to their offence, and Brees is a master at using that to his advantage. He'll have to be at his very best to fend off a ferocious pass rush, but if he can get some play action, screens and bootlegs into the mix he's more than capable of keeping the Niners guessing.

It really is a fascinating match-up and one to approach carefully from a betting perspective, but definitely worthy of a six-pack, a bucket of chicken and a Viennetta. Whoever wins it will take massive confidence into the rest of the season; if it's the Niners they'll be vying for Superbowl favouritism, if it's the Saints they're right back in the hunt and current odds of 38.037/1 for overall victory will be a distant memory.

It's a real hard one to call and I hate to desert the Saints but I just can't get that last performance from the Niners out of my mind. They played the complete game and at almost even money 1.9520/21 on the Moneyline they have to be backed.

Recommended Bets
Back San Francisco to win @ 1.9520/21
Lay Total Points (48.5)@ 1.910/11
Back San Francisco Field Goal as First Scoring Play @ 5.04/1