Kevin Keise
Who will win?
The San Francisco 49ers
Why they will win?
Even before Colin Kaepernick’s hype came about, I still had the Niners winning the Super Bowl this year Even with Alex Smith standing in the pocket, San Fran has been arguably the best team in the NFL for two consecutive years. They have an outstanding ground attack. With Frank Gore and LaMichael James at running back, it may be problematic for the unhealthy and aging Baltimore defense, who hasn’t really delivered this year such as in previous years. Not to mention, moving Kaepernick to the starting lineup makes them even more explosive. Kaepernick is on fire! Ten games in and his playing for a Super Bowl. His mobility was crucial in their win vs. Green Bay racking up 181 rushing yards and subsequently, he torched Atlanta with his arm passing for 233 yards with no interceptions. Let’s give credit to the Niners’ receiving core, which is one of the best in the NFL. Tight end Vernon Davis will presumably be the Ravens’ focal point and that will give Michael Crabtree, Mario Manningham and Randy Moss opportunities to get loose. While many people believe this will be a defensive slugfest, I think the offensive side of the ball will determine the HarBowl. Jim Harbaugh’s read option may be to much for his older brother to handle.
Prediction:
28-24 Niners
Trent Brown
Who will win?
The Baltimore Ravens
Why they will win?
No team in the playoffs had the toughest road leading up to the Super Bowl than The Baltimore Ravens. They beat the young stud Andrew luck, beat first ballot Hall of Famer Peyton Manning and they beat one of the greatest QB in NFL history in Tom Brady. Baltimore offensive line will be the key in Ravens win. Look for Ray Rice to have a big game. The defensive backs will be afraid to get burned deep so expect the Niners to drop their corner backs as a result, the Ravens running game will open up for Rice & Bernard Pierce. Heres the bottom line. Colin Kaepernick hasn’t experienced what I call “chin music” , which means he hasn’t faced the general of punishment(In football terms of course) in Ray Lewis. He hasn’t been hit and the Ravens defense yet and on Sunday the Ravens will do jus that. Playing the Packers, Seahawks and Falcons defense doesn’t count. I believe both Flacco and Kaepernick will have solid games throwing the ball, however, this will be Kaepernick’s biggest test and unfortunately he will Take the L. Big brother John Harbaugh will out coach little brother. Ray Lewis has a date with destiny on Sunday, which means the world will sure tune in for the post game sermon.
Prediction:
Ravens 24-21
David Lankster
Who will win?
The San Francisco 49ers
Why they will win?
Remember Week 10? San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh was taking flak from various media outlets, former NFL players and even players in his own locker room for allowing second-year quarterback Colin Kaepernick to retain the starting quarterback position even though Alex Smith had recovered from his concussion? Well, don’t look now but the Niners went 7-2-1 since then and the victories haven’t come by chance.
The Niners adopted their version of the “read option” (which was made popular by the Washington Redskins) and the results have been substantial. The Niners ran 515 read option plays during the regular season and averaged 5.9 yards every time the quarterback handed the ball off and averaged an astounding 11.8 yards when Kaepernick kept the ball; both of which lead the NFL. While Ray Lewis is having one of the most inspirational seasons in his Hall of Fame career, the read option has shown its ability to deceive defensive backs and linebackers all around the NFL. Also, the Ravens who have been known in the past for their relentless, daunting defense is ranked a dismal 17th in the NFL this season. Look for Kaepernick, Frank Gore and the rest of the 49er offense to exploit the holes in the Ravens 3-4 defense.
Prediction
Niners 27-17