It’s a potential Super Bowl LIV preview as the San Francisco 49ers travel across the country to take on the Baltimore Ravens. While both teams seem destined to at least make the postseason, making this game not nearly as important as for other teams on the bubble, it’s a matchup both teams desperately want to win.
This Week 13 matchup would effectively cement the winner as the best squad in football right now. Though the Ravens have held that title for the last few weeks, including in the most recent power rankings, a loss would likely slightly deflate what has been a very happy team.
However, the writers here at Ravens Wire don’t think Baltimore has much to worry about this week. With everyone predicting a Ravens win in Week 13 over the 49ers, it seems to be a matter of just how bad Baltimore will beat their foe this time.
Matthew Stevens:
Ravens 30 – 49ers 24
This is the biggest test for both teams this season and a matchup of two of the best offenses and defenses in the league. But it comes down to how well each quarterback plays. If the 49ers can contain Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ offense will become more one-dimensional. If Baltimore pressures Jimmy Garoppolo, he’s prone to big mistakes. But each is just as equally capable of taking over a game. However, no team has really been able to contain Jackson yet this season, and that’s going to be the difference this week as well.
Neil Dutton:
Ravens 27 – 49ers 17
The 49ers’ main defensive strength is their passing defense. That’s all well and good, the Ravens will just do what they do best and run all day. Mark Ingram and of course Lamar Jackson will take advantage of the sloppy conditions and run all over San Francisco.
Joe Serpico:
Ravens 31 – 49ers 16
Many feel the 49ers No. 1 ranked defense has the pieces to slow down Jackson. San Francisco excels when they can rush the passer but are average (19th) in rushing defense. Baltimore has already run all over Seattle, New England and Houston — all ranked ahead of San Francisco. I’m also not sold on quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo’s ability to handle the Ravens’ defense. He’ll make a couple mistakes Baltimore will take advantage of in another easy win.
Vasilios Nikolaou:
Ravens 31 – 49ers 24
The toughest defense that Lamar Jackson and company will face all season will fold under the weather and the inability to stymie the most explosive offense in the league. Jackson is tied for the most touchdown passes in the league, but it will be all about the ground game with weather conditions being ideal for a ground-pound attack.
San Francisco quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will have a tough time finding the likes of Deebo Samuel and George Kittle in the presumed monsoon-like weather that is forecasted, but their running backs can be dangerous as well.
The Ravens take the lead on a fourth-quarter touchdown scamper by Jackson and they hold on for their 10th win of the season.