San Francisco 49ers vs Baltimore Ravens – Thanksgiving Day Preview: NFL Week 12
A battle of brothers is set to take place tomorrow when Jim Harbaugh’s San Francisco 49ers takes on John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens in their Thanksgiving Day matchup at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore with their proud parents
witnessing some of the moments of this historic National Football League game from the stands.
"It's an amazing thing. To say that you're not thinking about it probably wouldn't be real," John Harbaugh said. "It's a historic thing, it's very special. I couldn't be more proud for our parents or for Jim. I just think it's
really neat."
Jim Harbaugh, however, has no time for nostalgia or familial ties, remaining completely focused on the game ahead.
"There's just not a lot of time to really even think about the warm and fuzzy reunions, or the nostalgia of it all," Jim said. "There's just work to be done."
San Francisco 49ers are on a hot winning streak this season. They have lost just a single game (against Dallas Cowboys second week), and with an impressive 9-1 record, they are holding top spot in the National Football Conference
West division ranking.
The 49ers Coach has overseen a revolution in the fate of his team with his tough attitude and discipline contributing to get the best out of his players.
Quarterback Alex Smith is one of the best examples of Harbaugh’s man-management skills as this season the player has become increasingly influential. Smith has completed 171 out of 274 passes with a 62.4% completion rate (ninth
in the NFL) and has covered 1,976 yards.
Baltimore Ravens 7-3, however, are no pushovers and will be a tough prospect for 49ers. Ravens have one of the best defences in the league. They are fifth overall in opposition rushing yards giving away just 93.2 yards per game,
while their record in opposition passing yards is also impressive with an average of 211.3 yards.
Notwithstanding that quality, Ravens offense will have to put in a good performance against San Francisco as the 49ers are number one in the NFL defending rushes giving away just 73.9 yards per game.
Ravens will be looking at quarterback Joe Flacco and rookie Torrey Smith to click again like in their 31-24 win last Sunday over Cincinnati Bengals. Flacco had two passing touchdowns in that game for 270 yards. Torrey Smith received
a wonderful 38 yard pass from Flacco to score a touchdown finishing the game with six receives and a season high 165 yards.
Ravens have the advantage winning both times these two great sides have faced each other and ESPN’s Accuscore predicts a Ravens victory 55% of the time in 10,000 match simulations.
"I'll tell you what, it's going to be a hard-fought game," John said. "I don't think it's going to be a trick 'em game.”
Pride and sibling rivalry is at stake between the two teams that are a shoe-in for the playoffs and fans can expect a physical encounter on Thursday.
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