Three Bark staffers give their predictions for this Sunday’s game.  Also, be sure to check out the Bark’s breakdown of the matchups.

All season long, the 49ers have relied on their incredible defense, a unit which has now propelled them to the Super Bowl. When they meet Ray Lewis and the Ravens this Sunday, it will truly be a defensive battle. The 49ers will emerge

victorious as the their defense will be able to stop the Ravens’ poor offense more than the Ravens’ defense will be able to control the 49ers offense, which has become dynamic since quarterback Colin Kaepernick took over. His running ability will challenge the Ravens’ aging defense enough to lead the 49ers to victory.
Prediction: 49ers over Ravens 17-13
-Mike Hendrickson

Super Bowl XLVII will feature two of the NFL’s hardest-hitting defenses.  With dynamic players such as Colin Kaepernick and Ray Rice, the teams do not lack explosive offenses. But with defenses that feature some of the NFL’s best linebackers and premier safeties, I do not expect many huge plays on the offensive side of the ball.  Whichever side takes care of the football by avoiding turnovers will come out victorious. The 49ers have never lost in the Super Bowl, a trend that will continue. Ray Lewis will retire without a fancy new ring.
Prediction: 49ers over Ravens 24-21
-Zak Lyons

The Ravens hope to end Ray Lewis’ last ride with a Super Bowl victory. Their outstanding outside linebackers, Paul Kruger and Terrell Suggs, will limit the 49ers success in the option run game. The middle will be plugged up by defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, Lewis, and linebacker Danell Ellerbe. Thus, the pressure will fall on the arm of Colin Kaepernick. Likewise, the Ravens’ success will depend on Joe Flacco, who has an 8:0 touchdown-to-interception ratio in the playoffs. Flacco has won a road playoff game each year he has been in the NFL. He will win one in New Orleans this year.
Prediction: Ravens over 49ers 27-24
-Josh Zimmerman