Best anytime TD scorer bets for NFL Christmas: Baltimore Ravens at San Francisco 49ers
A Super Bowl 47 rematch is on tap for Christmas Day as the San Francisco 49ers (11-3) take on the Baltimore Ravens (11-3). Rarely ever do we see the top seed in both the AFC and NFC square off this late in the NFL season, but we've been blessed this holiday season with a potential Super Bowl preview.
While both teams boast the same record, the 49ers have been much more dominant throughout the season. Their three-game losing streak seems a distant memory at this point. Baltimore has been much more consistent though. Although they have not scored 40 points in a game all season, they have multiple 30-point victories. Furthermore, the last time the 49ers played a defense as stout as Baltimore's, the Niners lost to the Cleveland Browns.
Baltimore leads the NFL in opposing pass yards per attempt at 5.6. The Niners lead the NFL in yards per pass attempt at 9.9. This is a battle that will feature each team's strengths going head-to-head. Here are our picks for the players most likely to find the end zone, with odds via DraftKings.
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Best anytime TD bets for NFL Christmas: Ravens at 49ers
Baltimore Ravens RB Gus Edwards (+130)
The San Francisco 49ers don't allow a ton of rushing touchdowns, particularly because they get out to such huge leads that teams can't afford to run the ball late in the game. The Ravens, however, have all the tools and talent available to keep close in this game.
With Keaton Mitchell out for the remainder of the season, Gus Edwards should be the bell cow back for Baltimore, only competing with Justice Hill for carries. Even if Hill gets a considerable uptick in snap share though, Edwards will undoubtedly be the goal-line back. The 49ers surrendered two touchdowns to the Arizona Cardinals running backs a week ago. The Ravens are a much more effective rushing team. Expect several opportunities for Edwards to find the endzone.
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (+140)
The Baltimore Ravens have given up two touchdowns to opposing tight ends over the last three weeks. They have also allowed at least four receptions in seven of their last eight games. With how hot Deebo Samuel has been as of late, most of the Ravens' defensive attention should be based around stopping him as well as running back Christian McCaffrey. Kittle has scored in three of the 49ers' last six games. He should have a few opportunities for big plays downfield on Monday.
Baltimore Ravens WR Zay Flowers (+230)
Everybody knows that the weakest part of the 49ers' defense is their secondary. While 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward has been one of the best in the league, the rest of the 49ers' secondary is susceptible to big plays. Flowers scored in two straight games before the Ravens leaned heavily on their rushing attack in Week 15 en route to a 23-7 victory over Jacksonville. Game script should favor a heavier passing attack against San Francisco, and Flowers should have the most opportunity to break free for a touchdown.
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NFL Christmas: Ravens at 49ers odds, lines
The 49ers are favorites to defeat the Ravens, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.
Betting odds, as of Sunday afternoon:
- Spread: 49ers (-5.5)
- Moneyline: 49ers (-250); Ravens (+190)
- Over/under: 46
NFL News: Lions win division for first time in 30 years, claiming franchise's first NFC North title
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