San Francisco 49ers vs. Baltimore Ravens: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

What better way to close out an already-strong slate of Thanksgiving Day games than with the epic battle between the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens?

The 49ers have been the biggest surprise in the NFL this season. They are 9-1 and can actually clinch the NFC West with a victory and a Seattle loss. Alex Smith is proving to be much more than “just a game manager,” and Jim Harbaugh has maximized the talent on this team.

The Ravens have had moments of brilliance mixed in with moments of sheer stupidity. The offense has lost its way at times this year, but now that Ray Rice is starting to carry the ball more, things can get back to normal.

Where: M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland

When: Thursday, Nov. 24 at 8:20 p.m. ET

Watch: NFL Network

Betting Line: Baltimore (-3)

That is a standard betting line, and considering how evenly matched these two teams are on paper, it makes sense that it would three points.

You can make a case that the 49ers have proven themselves to warrant an even spread, but considering they are traveling across the country on a short week, you can’t fault the oddsmakers.

The home team is always going to get some benefit on a short week, and that is what has happened with the Ravens in this game.

Over/Under: 38.5

Considering how good both these defenses are—San Francisco is first in points allowed (14.5); the Ravens are third (17.6)—38.5 points is too much.

The 49ers have gotten better on offense in recent weeks, but they are not the type of team that is going to put up a lot of points.

The Ravens have been inconsistent on offense, particularly quarterback Joe Flacco, but when they are firing on all cylinders they can score on anyone. They put up 58 points in two games against the Steelers, so the talent is there. It is just a question of whether or not the performance will match it.

49ers Injury Report

Probable: RB Frank Gore (Knee), WR Michael Crabtree (Foot), WR Braylon Edwards (Knee)

Questionable: FB Bruce Miller (Concussion)

Ravens Injury Report

Probable: S Haruki Nakamura (Thigh), LB Dannell Ellerbe (Groin)

Questionable: LB Ray Lewis (Foot)

Fantasy Big Plays

Good luck finding a lot of success with offensive players in this game. Your best bet would be to start either defense and avoid starting anyone else.

If I were to pick an offensive player to have a good game it would be Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith. He is the team’s best deep threat with over 20 yards per reception, and the 49ers have had problems defending the pass; they rank 23^rd in the league with over 249 yards allowed per game through the air.

Smith has the size and speed combination to attack the 49ers’ weakness in the secondary.

Keys to 49ers Victory

The Ravens don’t give a lot on defense, so quarterback Alex Smith has to be able to find any open window he can. He has done a great job this season of not turning the ball over with just four interceptions in 274 pass attempts.

The offensive line has to give Smith and Frank Gore time to make plays, otherwise this game will get out of hand in a hurry.

The defense has to take advantage of the inevitable mistakes that Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco will make and get the offense some extra possessions on a short field.

Keys to Ravens Victory

Get Ray Rice the ball at least 20 times. Yes, the 49ers run defense is the best in the NFL, but they can’t shy away from the run. Whenever Joe Flacco has been asked to win a game on his own this season he has failed.

The defense needs Ray Lewis back. They were without their emotional leader against the Bengals last week and it was obvious that they were not the same team. Alex Smith has thrown two turnovers in the last two weeks after having just two in the first eight games, so if they can force him into making more mistakes they can put more pressure on the 49ers defense.

Prediction

The 49ers are the hottest team in the NFL this side of Green Bay. They are having a special year and don’t want to waste an opportunity to clinch a playoff berth with a win. That said, the Ravens are playing at home and will take advantage of the short week.

Ravens 17, 49ers 13