Oddsmakers have the Detroit Lions as double-digit underdogs heading into Saturday's NFC wild-card game against the New Orleans Saints.

San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh is playing those odds as he and his staff begin preparations for their second-round game Jan. 14 after a bye this weekend.

During an interview with 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, Harbaugh admitted their primary focus will be on New Orleans, even though the Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants loom as other possible next opponents.

"More the Saints," Harbaugh said. "The greater share would be preparing for the Saints."

A 49ers-Lions rematch could only happen in the NFC championship game. Detroit is guaranteed to play defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay in the second round if it knocks off New Orleans.

San Francisco handed the Lions their first loss back in Week 6, a game more remembered for the postgame confrontation between Harbaugh and Detroit coach Jim Schwartz.

E-mail Josh Slagter: jslagter@grpress.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JoshSlagter

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/20 ... _detr.html

I wouldn't read too much into this. The 49ers have already prepared for the Giants this season while they only faced the Saints in preseason game #1 in which very little game planning takes place.

Both Detroit and Atlanta would have to win for them to face the Falcons. It is a matter of resources and odds. I'm sure they are more focused on their own team this week anyway.

In comparison Mike McCarthy said on Sirius NFL that he's preparing the Packers for the Lions, Falcons & Giants

I hate Jim Harbaugh.

Well I agree, sorry guys. The Saints are so damn good, especially at their place. If someone asked me what to do, I would also say prepare for the Saints. Putting all the eggs in one basket, yes, but I don't see it as much of a gamble.

But that's not to say I don't want the Lions to win. If the Lions win, we'd play Giants or Falcons, and OMFG I'd rather play them than the Saints. On top of that, the best team in the playoffs that could beat the Packers, are the Lions. A rematch at Green Bay? I think a Lions win is very possible.

BTW, if I was Green Bay, I would prepare for the Giants and Falcons equally, and just in case I had to play the Lions, I'd include them too. Don't read into what GB said imo.

I hate Jim as well..

LOVE/HATE Jimmy boy

michigan guy/hand shaking idiot....

Jim Harbaugh sniffs bicycle seats.

Sure, it is reasonable to prepare for the Saints more than other opponents. I think a lot of coaches would do the same thing. But only a jackass would actually say it out loud to the media. Most coaches would simply say they are preparing for all potential opponents, even if they were really focusing on one opponent. JH has shown repeatedly that tact is not one of his strengths, so this shouldn't surprise anyone. He's Rex Ryan 2.0, only less likeable.

Re: I hope this comes back to bite Jim Harbaugh in the rear!

Jim Harbaugh sniffs bicycle seats.


Hey Kill: Why don't you go all out and say:

"Jim Harbaugh sniffs Wheel Chair diapers!"

I really don't see what the issue is. The primary focus is on the Saints. Makes total sense to me. As the #2 seed, you want to get ready for the best and highest-seeded team between seeds 3, 4, and 5. Saints are just that.

I really don't see the issue. The Ravens have it much tougher to decide who to play for, as do the other #1 seeds.

I don't care what Harbaugh says and I don't see this as an issue.

The Lions need to focus on the Saints too. And for now, ONLY the Saints game.

I guess I kinda agree with Harbaugh though, they already played the Lions this season, and they only played the Saints in the preseason (which don't mean anything really).

Harbaugh's a dick.