SUPER BOWL XLVII
Baltimore Ravens vs. San Francisco 49ers (-3.5)
The Ravens ride into New Orleans as the number four AFC seed with playoff victories over the Colts, Broncos and Patriots. To some people, their wins in Denver and New England were improbable and impressive. But the truth about Baltimore is the core of this team has been battle tested and quite frankly, it is their time to be in the big game. For the number two NFC seed 49ers, their road was a little shorter. Playoff wins over the Packers and Falcons propelled San Fran into the Super Bowl. Both the Ravens and the 49ers have a lot in common starting with the sibling relationship between their head coaches John and Jim Harbaugh. Both teams knocked on the Super Bowl door last year only to be denied access in their respective conference championships. Both teams have strong playmakers on both sides of the ball. Both have the capability of lighting up the scoreboard as well as shutting the opposing team down. I honestly think either team can win this game but I have a feeling the 49ers will prevail. On defense the Niners should "contain" the Ravens run game but I think they will bend a little with the pass game. Joe Flacco should have some success passing to his talented receiving tandem as well as to Ray Rice out of the backfield. Anquan Boldin or Torrey Smith are capable of torching the 49ers secondary like the Falcons' WR Julio Jones did in the NFC Championship game but I think SF will prevent the deep ball. In order to do so they must get real pressure up front on Flacco, which I think they will. If they don't and give him any kind of time, it could be a long day for them. The Ravens defense has been inspired in the playoffs by the return of their leader Ray Lewis. They have played light years better in the playoffs than they did during several stretches in the season. But this defense can give up yards and can be scored upon. I still think the Broncos let them off the hook by not going "no huddle" late in the game. If a team "fast breaks" the Ravens defense I think they can be cracked. No better weapon to do that than 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick's ability to run and pass could cause headaches for the Ravens. He is quick as a cat when he's on the run in the "pistol" and when he gives the ball away, RB Frank Gore can do some damage. Also RB LaMichael James can cause issues when he's in the "pistol" due to his amazing speed. When Kaepernick passes (and does he have a strong arm!) he can count on Michael Crabtree, Delanie Walker, Vernon Davis and the veteran Randy Moss to make some plays for him. I think the Ravens will attempt to shut the run game down to put it all on young Kaepernick's arm. I don't think they will be successful though. The 49ers will wear out the Ravens defense - they will go uptempo on Baltimore and the game will get away. I'm taking San Francisco to stay undefeated as an organization in the Super Bowl and they will cover the points. For the 49ers sake they better hope it doesn't come down to them kicking a field goal though. K David Akers doesn't look healthy at all.
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