Well it is finally here, after 20 weeks of grueling football actions, two teams are about to meet to see which one is deserving of the NFL’s biggest prize. Usually, the week or two leading up to the Superbowl provide some of the biggest storylines of the year, and without a doubt this year is no exception. From Ray Lewis’ retirement, the PED controversy, President Obama (and Ed Reed)’s concerns over player safety, Joe Flacco’s status as an elite quarterback, how many yards Colin Kapernick goes for and of course, the brother v. Brother anticipation not seen since Cain and Abel, this year’s game definitely has some Super-sized headlines.
However, leaving the hype aside for a moment, there is actually a very interesting matchup that has been set up between these two particular teams. These two teams demonstrate that aside from a couple offensive blips in recent years (New Orleans and Green Bay perhaps the most notable), that defense still paramount in winning championships as both teams pride themselves on their defense, and more specifically their front seven.
Even if these two teams encompass the defensive traits that are present in most championship squads, the question still remains, who will win the big game? While most experts are projecting the 49ers to add to their already impressive collection of Super Bowl trophies, after looking at both of these squads from every perspective imaginable, I maintain that taking the Ravens is the smarter play. Not only do I think the Ravens probably win this game outright, to go against the points in what breaks down on paper to a pick ‘em game would really be a suspect move.
The case for the 49ers is easy, they are a great defensive team, with a great run game, explosive receivers, a great head coach and they were one game away from making the Superbowl last year. Well you know what is funny? The exact same is true of the Baltimore Ravens and in this context alone I do not know how the 49ers can be giving 4 points on a neutral field.
Some try to explain the disparity, by citing the Ravens injury issues and their inconsistency during the regular season as reasons. However, these two points are essentially one in the same in that the losses of Ledarrius Webb, Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis are the reasons this defensive team faltered as they were missing 3 of their 4 best defensive players (Ed Reed being the only one to play a full season). Furthermore, not only is Ray Lewis, their leader on and off the field, back, but he has summoned the very best out of everyone around him and if you have watch Baltimore during their post season run (3 games on the road), they actually seem to be getting better.
Therefore, while there are certainly other reasons to pick Baltimore-having the quarterback with more playoff experience, the more seasoned NFL coach, better playmakers by position (save for maybe TE), having ever girl in North America who has watched the Blindside pulling for Michael Oher- the Ray Lewis factor is enough of a reason to tip the game in Baltimore’s favour. Again if this were truly a pick ‘em game by Vegas standards, I would take Baltimore. However, because the Vegas bigwigs have seen fit to give Baltimore 4 points, take the gift, take the safe play, and take the Ravens.
PICK: Ravens (+4) OVER 49ers
BONUS PICK: Will Ed Reed Have an Interception? Yes!-Ed Reed has been incredibly quiet this postseason and is set to be a free agent next season. In 10 playoff games he has 8 picks. DO IT!
GOOD LUCK AND PLEASE GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY!!
