Super Bowl Picks And Predictions: Baltimore Ravens Vs. San Francisco 49ers
Every week of the NFL regular season, we asked all of The Landry Hat writers and contributors to submit their picks and predictions for the upcoming Dallas Cowboy game. This week, we asked our experts for their predictions for the biggest game of them all, the 47th annual Super Bowl, as the Baltimore Ravens face the San Francisco 49ers for the Lombardi Trophy.
Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) scrambles during the first quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Steven Mullenax, Editor & Head Writer: I believe the 49ers have a better overall team then the Ravens. Their explosive offense under 2nd year quarterback phenom Colin Kaepernick is capable of a bigger offensive explosion than the Raven’s offense under quarterback Joe Flacco. And the San Fran defense is younger and faster then the ageing and injured Baltimore defense. Still, the Ravens have one thing going for them…emotion. Their emotional leader, linebacker Ray Lewis, is retiring after this game. His final push has gotten the Ravens this far, but I don’t believe it will be enough. Kaepernick is the key. San Francisco 42 – Baltimore 35.
Todd Toombs, Senior Writer: This has the potential to be a very entertaining game. On paper, you have to favor the 49ers. But, the whole aura of “Ray Lewis’ last game” has already generated some surprising results. I never expected the Ravens to beat the Patriots in Foxboro so convincingly. In the spirit of “Go Big or Go Home!”, I think this turns into the first overtime game in Super Bowl history. Justin Tucker pulls out the win for the Ravens in overtime. Ray Lewis, of course, is named MVP. Ravens 27, 49ers 24.
Reid Hanson, Staff Writer: The 49ers are the complete football team the Cowboys strive to one day become. Take some time to marvel at the dominance of the 49ers offensive and defensive lines as you watch the game and you can see how every other position is just icing on the cake. The Ravens will be unable to stop the run and will need to rely too much on Flacco to even the score. If Torrey Smith doesn’t have a big day the Ravens will have no chance. Hopefully the commercials will be good because this game may be lopsided. 49ers 28, Ravens 13
Michael Vu, Staff Writer: I wish I was submitting a Cowboy prediction. Anyways. The Harbaugh fight will be good. I see a defensive game; similar to the last time Harbaugh fight. 20-17, San Francisco.
Mike Burke, Staff Writer: I like underdogs. I like good stories. Ray Lewis going out with a bang instead of a slash is a good story. Deer antler spray or not, best Middle Linebacker in NFL History leads his team one more time. Ravens 21, 49ers 17.
Tammy Garrett, Staff Writer: My extreme dislike for the San Francisco 49ers means I would probably spontaneously combust if I picked them to win the Super Bowl. However, that’s not the only reason I’m going with the Baltimore Ravens to take the Lombardi Trophy in a mild upset. Ray Lewis retirement rallying aside, the Ravens have a solid team from top to bottom and I like them to take the Niners and their egotistical wide receiver Randy Moss down a few pegs. Baltimore 28, San Francisco 20.
Michael Huff, Staff Writer: Ravens gut it out in the deer antler spray bowl with their defense leading the way. Ravens 31, Niners 27.
Jeff Magnia, Staff Writer: It is going to be a game for the ages as San Francisco tries to get that coveted 6th ring while Ray Lewis attempts to end his career on a high note. This is going to be a tough one to pick but I think that Colin Kaepernick will be overwhelmed and not be able to recover from a first quarter full of nerves. I am not a Ray Lewis fan but I am a fan of Joe Flacco and Ray Rice. As much it pains me to predict, Baltimore will win this game and let Lewis leave on a positive, hopefully not having to see that dance he does ever again after Sunday. Ravens 31, 49ers 24.
Tyrone Starr, Staff Writer: This is a great Super Bowl matchup featuring two very equal teams. The week leading up to the game has created several distractions, mostly in regards to the 49ers which I feel will have some sort of impact on the game. When two teams are as evenly matched as the Ravens and the Niners, any little intangible can make a big difference. Couple that with the emotional ride that the Ravens are on and I see a Ravens 24-17 victory in Super Bowl .
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