(AFC) Baltimore vs. (NFC) San Francisco (Sunday 5:30pm CT): It
has been a controversial start to Super Bowl Week involving President Obama,
Deer Antler Spray, and Chris Culliver, but now it's time for a smash mouth
Super Bowl between two very physical teams.
Ray Lewis' farewell tour has inspired the Ravens to play at a high level
this postseason. Joe Flacco has stepped
up immensely throughout the playoffs with the NFL's best quarterback rating this postseason (114.7). In three playoff games, he has 853 passing yards, 8 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Numerous other teammates have also played inspired football and lead the NFL this postseason, including Ray Rice's 247 rushing yards, Anquan Boldin's 276 receiving yards, Ray Lewis's 44 tackles, & Corey
Graham and Cary Williams' 2 interceptions each.
The 49ers did not begin either playoff game well with
sloppy first half performances and falling behind early. The team can't expect to win tomorrow's big game
if the defense gives up too many first half points. Quarterback Colin
Kaepernick has taken the hearts of many with his first two career playoff
starts (496 passing yards and 202 rushing yards) and will be a handful for the
Ravens' defense on Sunday. This love
could carry into the offseason and Kaepernicking could become the new worldwide
trend with a 49er victory on Sunday.
These are very evenly matched teams and the game will come
down to the final possession because both teams have shown throughout the playoffs that they perform best in the second half. I'm expecting the Ravens to hang on for a four
point victory on Sunday Night down in New Orleans. The great three-some of Ray Lewis, Ed Reed
and Terrell Suggs will make an important play late in the game to capture the
Ravens' second title since 2001.
2013 NFL Pick Em Record (Through Conference Championships):
6-4
