Baltimore (+3.5) vs. San Francisco
Super Bowl XLVII will kickoff in less than 48 hours. For the first time in NFL history, two brothers will meet on the game's grandest stage as coaches. San Francisco enters the game as a 3.5 point favorite. The 49ers finished 11-4-1 in the regular season, while the Ravens finished 10-6. San Francisco used strong second halves versus Green Bay and Atlanta to advance to their first Super Bowl since the 1994 season. Baltimore got healthy at the right time and surprised AFC favorites Denver and New England to reach their first Super Bowl since the 2000 season. Brotherly love will be put aside for at least one night for the Harbaugh family.
Baltimore enters the Super Bowl playing their best football of the season. They went through a rough patch towards the end of the year, but have completely steered things back in the right direction. Their defense is finally healthy and playing Raven football. The offense has been clicking ever since Jim Caldwell took over as OC. Joe Flacco has played spectacularly in the postseason. Even his biggest critics, can't dispute 8 TDs and no INTs in wins over Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Ray Lewis is playing his final game. He is leading the NFL in tackles throughout the postseason, and even in his 17th season is showing why he is widely considered one of the greatest to ever play the game. Flacco will need to keep up his high level of play, and Lewis will need to inspire his defense to continue their recent trend of great play if Baltimore plans to send Ray out on top.
The 49ers have been considered one of the Super Bowl favorites since the season began. Here they are. They have a chance to join the Pittsburgh Steelers with six Super Bowl victories, which is more than any other franchise in the league. Colin Kaepernick will need to continue his dynamic play. A lot of attention gets placed on his legs, but it is his arm that can kill you if you're not careful. If the 49ers are going to win this game, he will have to make plays with his arm and his legs. He is the next big thing in the NFL right now and can rocket to superstar status with a win. Kaepernick will need some help from his D. This defense is nasty and is undefeated when they hold the opposing team to less than four yards a carry. Watch this stat throughout the game.
Most people think this game is going to be close. I am one of them. I don't think it is far-fetched to see either of these teams hoisting the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday night. The 49ers have more talent on their roster, but Baltimore didn't get here by mistake. Plus the Ravens have the emotional lift of the most emotional player in the NFL playing in his last game. I picked the Ravens to make the Super Bowl in my preseason picks (http://ringersports.blogspot.com/2012/08/2012-nfl-predictions.html). And I picked them to lose. I am sticking with that, although it's against a different team than I picked in the preseason. I do like the Ravens to cover though. Give me the San Francisco 49ers in a close one.
Prediction - San Francisco 23 Baltimore 21
Ringer's Playoff Record
ATS: 7-3
SU: 8-2
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