4* NFL NO BRAINER on Baltimore Ravens +4

Baltimore vs. San Francisco, 02/03/2013 18:30 EDT, Score: 34 - 31

Point Spread: +4/-110 Baltimore

Sportsbook: DSI

Result: Win

4* NFL NO BRAINER on Baltimore Ravens +4

Baltimore reminds me a lot of the NY Giants last year, late losing streak, everyone loses faith, and then here they come during the playoffs. The reason for the Ravens sudden resurgence is clearly getting healthy. In particular, it's been the return of Ray Lewis who is the heart and soul of this team. Add in the fact that Ray is also going through his last dance, and this is a team of destiny.

The Ravens have played their last 8 games against good teams and defensively they were pretty tough in allowing just 57.6% completion rate through the air, getting six interceptions, and allowing only 6.25 yards per attempt. This despite taking on Tom Brady, Peyton Manning twice, Andrew Luck, Eli Manning, RGIII and Big Ben. All of those quarterbacks are more proven than Colin Kaepernick.

The Ravens are giving up a lot of yards in the playoffs, averaging 415 yards per game against them. However, when you factor in the double overtime versus the Broncos and the speed at which the Patriots play, the average yards per play is actually quite good at 4.86.

Joe Flacco has stepped up big in the playoffs. He's completing only 55% of his passes but he's throwing the ball so far down the field that's not to be unexpected. He's throw for 853 yards, eight touchdowns and most importantly, zero interceptions.

A couple of angles that I like here. Teams that have made the Super Bowl without a first round bye are 9-0-1 ATS since 1986. If a team is coming off an ATS win playing a team off an ATS loss they are 11-2 in the big game. If a team reaches the Super Bowl after at least two upset playoff wins they are 7-0-1 ATS.

Colin Kaepernick is a force to be reckoned with, but the extra week off I think will help Baltimore prepare for his unique abilities. I'll gladly take the points in what should be a great game Sunday.