Christmas Gift: Ravens, 49ers Offer Rare Late-Season Showdown of NFL's Best
In giving the Baltimore Ravens a unique challenge Monday night in San Francisco, the NFL is serving fans with a rare Christmas gift.
When the 11-3 Ravens play the 11-3 49ers, it will be the first time in 30 years that teams with the league's best two records meet in Week 16 or later. In 1993, the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants - both 11-4 - met in The Meadowlands in the regular-season finale with the NFC East crown and No. 1 seed in the NFC on the line.
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That iconic game matched Hall-of-Fame quarterbacks Troy Aikman against Phil Simms, Canton-bound edge-rushers Charles Haley and Lawrence Taylor, and was ultimately won by the Cowboys, 16-13 in overtime, thanks to Emmitt Smith's 42 touches for 229 yards despite playing the second half with a separated shoulder.
Dallas used momentum from that game - and home-field advantage at Texas Stadium - and went on to win the Super Bowl.
Lamar Jackson vs. Brock Purdy doesn't quite yet have a Hall-of-Fame ring to it. And, being that it's the best team in the AFC vs. the best in the NFC, this showdown doesn't carry do-or-die implications. Nonetheless, with a win the underdog Ravens could send a message, earn a signature win and give their fans the perfect Christmas gift.
