The 49ers defense is two-for-two in passing tests on their recent three-game stretch. They shut down Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, then held MVP-frontrunner Lamar Jackson and the Ravens to a season-low 20 points.

Now the tests keep coming against Drew Brees and the Saints. While New Orleans isn’t the offensive juggernaut they were in the earlier portion of the decade, they’re still top 10 in points scored, 13th in yards, and No. 6 in Football Outsiders’ DVOA.

The Saints’ defense is just as good as its offense, which means the 49ers will need to match them in what could be another low-scoring contest. Here are the six most important players for the 49ers defense Sunday:

LB Fred Warner

The reigning NFC Defensive Player of the Month seems to have a Pro Bowl spot locked up, and may wind up getting an All-Pro nod in his second season. Warner has elevated his game to a new level with Kwon Alexander out for the season, and he’s begun dominating against the run and in coverage. The Saints offense has two extremely talented playmakers in Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara, both of whom might wind up matched up with Warner. How Warner does in those matchups will play a significant role in getting stops for the San Francisco defense.