Ravens Make Statement in Christmas Win vs. 49ers: 3 Takeaways
The Baltimore Ravens are on top of the NFL's Christmas tree after winning a 33-19 affair against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night at Levi's Stadium.
The Ravens became the first and only team to win 12 games this season, giving them the best record in the league.
To accomplish that feat is one thing, but to do so on the road against the top team in the NFC speaks volumes to the Ravens' ceiling.
Here are three takeaways from Monday night's affair ...
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Lamar is HIM.
Lamar Jackson may not have had his flashiest game of the year, but the Ravens quarterback shined when the lights were brightest. He threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns while adding 45 yards on the ground. But the most important stat? Zero turnovers.
Lamar shook off some poor decisions out of his system on the first two possessions, but then he led seven consecutive scoring drives to the tune of 33 points, the most any team has scored on the 49ers this season.
Defense Shows Out
Lamar deserves his flowers, but the defense should get a bouquet as well.
Not only did the Ravens force five interceptions, but they did so against the No. 2 offense in the NFL. Kyle Hamilton had a pair of picks before leaving the game with a knee injury. Marcus Williams, Patrick Queen and Marlon Humphrey also caught one of Brock Purdy's passes.
Best Team in the NFL?
As of now, the Ravens should be atop everybody's power rankings and considered as the Super Bowl favorite with two weeks left to go in the regular season.
They beat the top team in the NFC as the best in the AFC and they will be a favorite in every game they play between now and their elimination.
Not just the fact that they won, but how they won, is exactly why the Ravens are the best team in the NFL ... but as we all know at this time of the year, every team is only as good as their last game. But if that's the case, then the Ravens are definitely the best team on Christmas Day.
