San Francisco is more physical and more talented. The Niners’ O-line will pave the way. The Ravens’ pass rush is not that good, and Colin Kaepernick will have time to throw. The Niners’ pass rush is a worry, because Justin Smith is playing hurt. Some call the Ravens a team of destiny. Destiny doesn’t block or tackle.
Prediction: 49ers 28, Ravens 17One thing I learned from watching the Bills lose four Super Bowls is that a team with a better offensive line and linebackers will usually prevail. The Niners have the best offensive line and backers in this game. They’ll win the battle in the trenches. Sorry, Ray-Ray.
Prediction: 49ers 19, Ravens 13The Niners are more complete than the Ravens. The Niners have a considerably better defense and a trickier offense to defend. The Niners must stop running back Ray Rice and not get beaten deep by Joe Flacco’s big arm. That formula has been easier to follow than beating Niners quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Prediction: 49ers 28, Ravens 17A big question with the 49ers is whether you believe in Colin Kaepernick, who’s making just his 10th career start. I do. The week off helped a key cog of the Niners’ defense, Justin Smith, get healthier, while it also might cool off red-hot Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco just enough.
Prediction: 49ers 27, Ravens 23The Ravens’ playoff run is impressive, but the 49ers are the choice here assuming Colin Kaepernick has an effective day. Baltimore, though, has had an extra week to prepare for the read-option. It will be interesting to see what it comes up with. Still, the Niners’ solid defense and balance carries the day.
Prediction: 49ers 28, Ravens 20.Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. You’re sick of hearing about Ray Lewis. I get it. But there were two distinctly different Raven teams this year – one that thrived with its emotional leader and first-ballot Hall of Famer and one that nearly missed the playoffs. And it doesn’t hurt that Joe Flacco has become a QB you can win a Super Bowl with.
Prediction: Ravens 24, 49ers 23.
Prediction: 49ers 28, Ravens 17One thing I learned from watching the Bills lose four Super Bowls is that a team with a better offensive line and linebackers will usually prevail. The Niners have the best offensive line and backers in this game. They’ll win the battle in the trenches. Sorry, Ray-Ray.
Prediction: 49ers 19, Ravens 13The Niners are more complete than the Ravens. The Niners have a considerably better defense and a trickier offense to defend. The Niners must stop running back Ray Rice and not get beaten deep by Joe Flacco’s big arm. That formula has been easier to follow than beating Niners quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Prediction: 49ers 28, Ravens 17A big question with the 49ers is whether you believe in Colin Kaepernick, who’s making just his 10th career start. I do. The week off helped a key cog of the Niners’ defense, Justin Smith, get healthier, while it also might cool off red-hot Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco just enough.
Prediction: 49ers 27, Ravens 23The Ravens’ playoff run is impressive, but the 49ers are the choice here assuming Colin Kaepernick has an effective day. Baltimore, though, has had an extra week to prepare for the read-option. It will be interesting to see what it comes up with. Still, the Niners’ solid defense and balance carries the day.
Prediction: 49ers 28, Ravens 20.Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. You’re sick of hearing about Ray Lewis. I get it. But there were two distinctly different Raven teams this year – one that thrived with its emotional leader and first-ballot Hall of Famer and one that nearly missed the playoffs. And it doesn’t hurt that Joe Flacco has become a QB you can win a Super Bowl with.
Prediction: Ravens 24, 49ers 23.