Monday Night Football Showdown: Ravens vs. 49ers - A Matchup for the Ages
Brett Favre
The final game in the NFL's Christmas night doubleheader is a heavyweight affair: Baltimore Ravens versus San Francisco 49ers. Both teams are 11-3, and this is a fight for supremacy in the conference as well as an early look at a possible Super Bowl matchup.
National Football League
Time: In Progress.
Stream: NFL 2024 Football Live On-Demand (Free Trial)
Betting Lines and Predictions
Since 8 o 'clock this morning, the San Francisco 49ers are favorites to win by a margin of six points and there is currently an over under total on combined score at 46.5. Such a tight spread shows just how evenly matched these teams are.
One expert with an particularly good record is Mike Tierney of SportsLine.com. Tierney is something of a veteran sportswriter. His last 65 picks involving the Ravens came out as 45-18-2, providing him with valuable knowledge to make informed predictions about this team in particular.
Tierney's Picks:
-
Ravens vs. 49ers Pick: Ravens +6
-
Reasoning: Despite the 49ers having played well in recent games, Tierney believes that Lamar Jackson and his electric running ability combined with a stout Baltimore defense will be enough to win out on Sunday night against what he expects to be an evenly matched team. He also points out that the Ravens are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games.
Other Key Factors to Consider:
-
Lamar Jackson's Health: In recent weeks, Jackson has been hampered by a knee injury. This game will depend heavily on his health. If he's not right at 100%, the Ravens' offense can have a tough time against San Francisco 'stingy defense.
-
Brock Purdy's Rise: Since being subbed in for Jimmy Garoppolo, rookie quarterback Brock Purdy has guided the 49ers to six straight wins. But poised and accurate, Gerhart's toughest test yet will come against the Ravens defense.
-
Home-Field Advantage: The game will be held at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California-home of the 49ers. This translates to marginally better crowd support for San Francisco over Seattle.
A Christmas Classic in the Making
This is shaping up to be a Monday Night Football classic. With two potent offenses facing thrifty defenses, this promises to be a close fight. Whether you're a Ravens fan, 49ers fan or neutral observer, it is one that you will be most reluctant to miss.
