After finishing last in the regular season in Westwood One Sports’ weekly NFL analysts picks against my colleagues Boomer Esiason, James Lofton, Mark Malone and Trent Green (and second to last in the playoffs), for what it’s worth, let me tell you who will win Sunday and why. After all, if at first you don’t succeed, try again.
I like the San Francisco 49ers in a game decided late. The 49ers are more physical on both lines and Colin Kaepernick is the X factor. I think the Ravens will have a tough time with the 49ers’ defensive line, especially the two Smiths, Aldon and Justin. The Niners will be able to make the Ravens one dimensional by taking Ray Rice away and putting the game on the shoulders of Joe Flacco. While Joe has played great during the playoffs, I believe Smith and Smith will be in the backfield and disrupt Flacco’s timing.
Secondly, I like how Keapernick is playing and I am not sure anyone has an answer for the pistol at this point. I believe defensive coordinators will figure out how to combat the formation this off-season, but it’s a lot harder to get it together in the two weeks the Ravens’ coaching staff has had preparing for the Super Bowl. I think Kaepernick has a nice day and is holding up the trophy when the clock hits triple zero. But don’t fret, Ravens fans, as those pick standings show, I’ve been wrong before.
— Tony Boselli
