Here's our prediction: the San Francisco 49ers will win Super Bowl XLVII by beating the Baltimore Ravens 24-21 on Sunday in New Orleans. Vernon Davis will be the Super Bowl MVP with a pair of touchdown receptions.
49ers Offense vs. Ravens Defense
Baltimore won't have a problem stopping the Niners' running game, but will give up plenty of yards through the air. The Baltimore secondary will dare Colin Kaepernick to beat them with his arm, and he will be up to the challenge. Other than a few scrambles on broken plays and read-option runs, Kaepernick will produce the most by giving the ball to his receivers. Michael Crabtree and the tight end Davis will have a similar number of catches, with Davis getting the ball more in the red zone.
Ravens Offense vs. 49ers Defense
The Niners' defensive line will be one of the best adversaries the Baltimore O-line has faced all season. Joe Flacco won't have quite as much time as usual to throw, but will have enough for a few well-timed middle-distance gains and the shots downfield his team is planning to take. Ray Rice faces one of the toughest running defenses in the league, but will be able to pick up decent yardage.
Special Teams
Despite his recent struggles, David Akers will make all the kicks required of him. Justin Tucker will do the same. Jacoby Jones will give the Ravens a slight advantage in the return game, but there won't be any big plays in between the teams' possessions.
Team Predictions
The 49ers will gain more yards and force two turnovers.
The Ravens will score first, but be unable to hold the lead.
Neither team will score on its first possession.
Individual Predictions
San Francisco Offensive
Kaepernick won't have a huge day on the ground, but will put up solid passing numbers.
Frank Gore will not break 100 yards rushing, but will pick up some key first downs, especially in the second half.
Davis will earn the Super Bowl MVP Award for a big day receiving, including two touchdown receptions.
Crabtree will have one touchdown catch and some big yardage.
Baltimore Offensive
Flacco will have a decent night with two passing touchdowns and one interception, but a late sack will kill the final Ravens drive.
Rice will out-gain Gore and have one rushing touchdown.
Anquan Boldin and Dennis Pitta will each have receiving scores for Baltimore.
Torrey Smith will be the team leader in receiving yards, including a big play on a touchdown drive.
San Francisco Defensive
Aldon Smith will have at least one sack in the game.
Dashon Goldson will have the only interception.
Baltimore Defensive
Ray Lewis will not lead his team in tackles for the first time in this year's playoffs. Bernard Pollard will instead.
Dannell Ellerbee will have the only sack of Kaepernick.
Super Bowl XLVII kicks off at 6:30 pm EST on CBS. Enjoy the game, the commercials and the halftime show! We'll continue our coverage after the game...
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