49ers Ravens Betting – Brothers Clash In Primetime Thanksgiving Showdown

As we sit down this week to give thanks during our holiday dinners, there will be a ton of NFL players giving thanks for their positions on the two teams that will meet under the primetime spotlight this Thanksgiving Thursday. The San Francisco 49ers have won eight of their first nine games to put themselves in position to clinch a division title and a potential first round bye, but will face a tough sports betting test this week as they visit a true AFC contender in the Baltimore Ravens.

San Francisco 49ers @ Baltimore Ravens

Whether it is 49ers’ quarterback Alex Smith giving thanks for the arrival of new head coach Jim Harbaugh and the subsequent resuscitation of his career, while Ravens’ linebacker Ray Lewis should be thankful for the chance to do it all again. And, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, it makes sense that family comes together, as Harbaugh has the opportunity to celebrate with his brother Jon, who coaches Baltimore.

49ers Ravens Betting Preview: San Francisco 49ers

When the 49ers blew a late lead and ended up losing to the Dallas Cowboys in overtime of week two, it would have been fair for their fans to criticize the team and expect more of the same over the course of the season. However, unlike in past years when San Francisco has faltered early, Harbaugh used the humbling defeat as a means by which to motivate his troops, and keep them focused enough to go on a run of eight straight wins, which has included some big wins at Cincinnati, Philadelphia, and Detroit, as well as at home to the New York Giants. The Ravens however will represent the toughest defense they will face, including the fifth-ranked rush defense, which will make sure to load up and force the ball in the hands of Smith on offense.

49ers Ravens Betting Preview: Baltimore Ravens

As has been the case on a couple occasions this season, Baltimore bounced back from a disheartening loss with a big win over a division rival, pushing them back in to first place in the AFC North. With their two wins over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens control their own destiny in the division, and this week will be crucial considering that the 49ers are the last team with a winning record left on their schedule before a season finale online wagering showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals. Lewis will be rested after sitting out this past weekend and will have the defense fired up under the national spotlight, but the offense still needs to go out and produce against the league’s top-ranked run defense.

49ers Ravens Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick

Whether or not Joe Flacco and that offense can do enough to cover the three points should be interesting, but should he falter the 49ers will be right there to pull off another improbable win. San Francisco has a younger team, and should be able to handle the turnaround better, so if they can come close to matching the Ravens’ intensity, they should be able to hang in there.

49ers Ravens Betting Pick: San Francisco 49ers