SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS @ BALTIMORE RAVENS 
Vegas Line: 49ers + 3
Rob’s Line: 49ers + 3.5
The whole of the NFL following world knows all about this game and what’s at stake. And no, that’s not even taking into account the playoff implications and what actually happens on the field. This game is immeasurably huge. Rookie coach Jim Harbaugh takes his 49ers to older brother John’s Ravens for a Thanksgiving Day clash that ups the ante when it comes to sibling rivalry.
I read this week that this was the best of the Thanksgiving Day games and while it’s almost impossible to argue, the same author played down the Dolphins/Cowboys contest purely because Miami is 3-7. I read that in disbelief…all three of the Thanksgiving Day games this year are belters. Now, I won’t be able to watch all three, but there’s a lot I’d give to be able to do so. I get the feeling that some NFL writers have it a little too good!
Ever since this game became known to be on the schedule, I’ve wondered how much the brothers have spoken about it to each other. I’d wager they’d almost deny knowledge of the game even existing and as professional coaches I applaud that, but how many of you reading this have, like me, a sports mad brother? If this were a Davies coaching matchup between our respective teams, this would’ve been in the mind’s eye from Week 1. Did I say Week 1? How about the minute the regular season schedule was published?
What’s become apparent through the first half of the season, and in particular Jim’s rookie first half of the season, is that San Francisco doesn’t take a game off. The 49ers could well have a 10-0 record but for a Week 2 home loss to Dallas in which they led 24-14 with seven minutes to go before Tony Romo relied on pure adrenalin and worked some broken rib magic. Baltimore, on the other hand, are not averse to only playing when it really matters. Losses in Tennessee (when the Titans could still, admittedly, boast Kenny Britt at wide receiver) and, more shockingly, in Jacksonville and Seattle leaves the public with little faith in the Ravens covering the spread, but no such worries should surface this week.
Baltimore’s motivation will be at an optimum level what with them up against a playoff calibre team (albeit from the opposite conference) and the fact that their coach’s brother coaches the opposition…did I mention that earlier? Forgive me if not.
I’m going to eschew giving you any real stats on this one as this game is all about gut feeling and that’s purely down to an intangible that makes this almost impossible to call…the Harbaugh family rivalry. Both of these teams could go deep into the playoffs and if San Fran can get past Green Bay, could you imagine a Harbaugh Super Bowl? It’s actually not impossible, but is, for the moment, the stuff of dreams…or screenplays.
Yes, I offer the Niners plus 3.5, but I do make Vegas spot on with this. San Francisco is having to travel a long way in the shortest week possible and that’s a lot to ask. However, they’re as tough as they come and in a game loaded with emotion, I like them with a field goal start.
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