2023-12-25 14:01:19
Games this late in the NFL season usually become crucial by default as teams fight for playoff spots. The contest between the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers will be a must-see for different reasons. The clash between the top two teams in the NFL power rankings features several MVP candidates battling each other in a possible Super Bowl showdown. The 49ers are favorites to win at home.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday at Levi’s Stadium in the Bay Area. The game will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN.
49ers (11-3) quarterback Brock Purdy is the MVP favorite thanks to his exceptional season under center. He has racked up nearly 3,800 yards passing to go with 29 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. Purdy’s gaudy stats give him one of the best passer ratings since 2000; his 119.0 number is in line with those posted by Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady during MVP seasons.
Christian McCaffrey stands alongside Purdy as an MVP candidate, and it’s easy to see why. He has more than 1,800 yards from scrimmage and 20 TDs this season.
The 49ers also boast a solid defensive unit that ranks second in points allowed (Baltimore is first in that stat). Fred Warner and Charvarius Ward have four interceptions each. Warner has also forced four fumbles and is among the league leaders in total tackles.
This is where we tell you everything we just said regarding San Francisco holds true for Baltimore.
With MVP candidate Lamar Jackson leading the way, the Ravens (11-3) entered Week 16 as the only AFC team to have clinched a playoff berth. Jackson’s supporting cast includes no fellow MVP candidates, but it’s impressive nonetheless. Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. have formed a solid 1-2 punch at receiver and Gus Edwards (11 rushing touchdowns) provides a solid balance to the offense.
Like Baltimore’s first Super Bowl-winning teams, the 2023 version features a nearly airtight defense. Justin Madubuike is among the NFL’s sack leaders. Roquan Smith is near the top of the list in tackles. Geno Stone is No. 2 in interceptions. Put it all together and you have a defensive unit that has held six teams to 10 points or fewer and yields a league-low 16.1 points per game.
All odds from BetMGM. Looking for NFL tickets? Buy them here.
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(Photo of Lamar Jackson: Mike Carlson / Getty Images)
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