Master expectations for Ravens versus 49ers: Who will win potential Super Bowl see?

The Ravens (11-3) will face the San Francisco 49ers (11-3) at 8:15 p.m. Monday in Santa Clara, California. Here are predictions from The Baltimore Banner’s sports staff

The tough thing about the Niners? There’s pretty much no room for error. They’re hard to run against, and they lead the league in forcing turnovers (without giving up many themselves). Even down to establishing field position, they start with some of the best and give their opponents some of the worst. And, if you miss a tackle on Christian McCaffrey or Deebo Samuel in space? Forget it. They will make you pay.

The Ravens have impressed by being dominant or always being in the game. They’ve never been flattened. I don’t think they’re totally outmatched here, but the profile of a healthy Niners team is really hard to beat. With key injuries to the line and running backs that will limit Lamar Jackson’s time in the pocket and take away some of their explosiveness (we miss you, Keaton Mitchell), the Ravens will be hard-pressed to score with this offense. After the Ravens had trouble covering the Rams’ Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua two weeks ago, it’s worth wondering how the defense will handle the Niners’ best weapons.

On paper, the Ravens match up well — or at least as well as anyone can against a historically dominant team. They should have answers for a 49ers offense that overwhelms defenses in the middle of the field. And they have the running game to take advantage of San Francisco’s most glaring weakness

But, in a game this evenly matched, star power matters. And the 49ers have the advantage there. Nick Bosa and Fred Warner can limit the Ravens’ passing game, and Brock Purdy is surrounded by All-Pros. The Ravens beat an elite San Francisco team in Baltimore four years ago, but a road win Monday will be by far this team’s toughest challenge.