NFL Picks Week 12: Predicting Score for 49ers vs. Ravens Thursday Night Football

The San Francisco 49ers have risen to the top tier of the NFC with a 9-1 record and have been impressive in doing so. Tonight the 49ers travel to Baltimore to face the 7-3 Ravens and their current eight-game winning streak could come to an end.

While I really like what head coach Jim Harbaugh has done with the 49ers this season, I think the Ravens present the stiffest test his team has faced this season. 

Baltimore boasts the NFL's fourth-best defense, allowing just 304.5 yards per game. While quarterback Alex Smith and running back Frank Gore have been outstanding for San Francisco this season, they haven't gone up against a top-notch defense like that of the Ravens.

The 49ers have the league's sixth-best rushing attack, averaging 134.2 yards per game, but their passing offense ranks 27th (188.3 yards per game). Unless Smith can find a way to move the ball through the air against such a great defense, the 49ers could be doomed. Gore is unlikely to find any big holes to run through against Baltimore.

On the other side of things, I think the Ravens have enough weapons to put up yards against a San Francisco defense that has been excellent this season. The 49ers have the league's best run defense, allowing just 73.9 yards per game. But San Francisco's pass defense has some holes, as it has surrendered 249.2 yards per game (23rd in the league).

I think Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has improved his play of late, and rookie wide receiver Torrey Smith has really developed into a big-time playmaker. Smith's emergence has taken pressure off Flacco, fellow receiver Anquan Boldin and running back Ray Rice. 

Baltimore should be able to move the ball offensively, though it will be a struggle.

All of the above factors will lead to a close Ravens victory in what should be a defensive struggle.

Prediction: Baltimore 17, San Francisco 13