HarBowl prediction

Two great defenses. Two imperfect quarterbacks. Two great teams.

That’s what you’re going to get when the San Francisco 49ers (9-1) and Baltimore Ravens (7-3) square off in Baltimore on Thursday for the first edition of the HarBowl.

Keys to the game:

The best way to beat the Ravens is to get a lead on them early in the game and make them one-dimensional. The Seahawks, Titans and Jaguars (three unimpressive teams if you ask me) were all able to beat the Ravens using this formula. Clearly this is easier said than done, as the Ravens have dominated the Jets and Texans. They’ve beat the Steelers twice, once by 3 and once by 28.

So first key to this game has to be for the 49ers to SCORE FIRST.

Secondly, when the Ravens have fallen behind, they’ve aired it out with Joe Flacco. Inconsistency has defined his career, yet it would be foolish to assume he is incapable of torching the 49ers secondary. Flacco led the Ravens back from 21 points down to beat the Cardinals. Even more impressive, he led game-winning touchdown drive in Pittsburgh to beat the Steelers by 3. The common denominator in all these games was the success of Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin.

So the 49ers secondary CANNOT GIVE UP THE BIG PLAY.

Lastly, the 49ers need to score touchdowns in the red zone. Against Arizona, the 49ers settled for six field goal attempts before they reached the end zone. This can’t happen against the Ravens. I understand that Alex Smith’s goal is to prevent turnovers, and his quality decision-making is the biggest reason why the 49ers are 9-1. But at some point in this game, Smith is going to have to throw the ball into man coverage and trust his receiver to make a play.

In other words, Smith must play AGGRESSIVE IN THE RED ZONE.

Prediction:
The Ravens have got up for every big game they’ve played this year. Crowd noise and a vicious pass rush should keep the 49ers offense in check early in the game, and when the Ravens play from ahead they're very dangerous. I expect the 49ers to absorb some early blows and stay in the game, but ultimately Ray Lewis and the Ravens defense will hold on late in the game to beat the 49ers.
Ravens 16 49ers 13