We’re now just a day away from the epic showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers at Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans.  We’re in for a real treat and what could turn out to be the most memorable Super Bowl in recent history.  With that in mind, here’s five key things that will affect the outcome of this game. 

1.  Containment
The 49ers need to contain, and possibly even shut down, the Ravens’ running game entirely in order to force Baltimore and quarterback Joe Flacco to lean primarily on the passing game.  This will allow San Francisco’s talented front four to get into the backfield and put constant pressure on Flacco. 

Conversely, the Ravens need to contain Colin Kaepernick, the 49er’s trio of running backs or the read option in general.  Nothing against the Ravens’ running backs, but San Francisco has too many weapons on the ground to stop.  Their best hope is to contain one (or hopefully two) of these factors and limit the damage the 49ers can do.

2.  Pressure & Penetration
The battles in the trenches are going to be crazy in this game.  You have two of the best defensive lines going up against two of the best offensive lines in the NFL.  Whichever teams’ defensive front seven can break through the line and put the most pressure on the opposing quarterback has great shot at winning this game. 

3.  Kicking
This should be pretty obvious.  The quality of defense in this game means there’s a pretty good chance this game could come down to a last-second field goal.  David Akers has been downright terrible this season and after missing a 33 yarder against Atlanta, the 49ers can’t really trust him anymore.  The Ravens’ rookie Justin Tucker on the other hand, has been lights out for Baltimore all season and could boot a 55 yarder for the win if necessary. 

4.  Safeties
The 49ers and Ravens probably have the two most similar sets of safeties in the NFL.  They aren’t very good in coverage (especially man-to-man) and mostly play for the big, disruptive hit.  In the end, it will come down to which group can do a better job of playing zone, disrupting passes and closing quickly on the ball carries. 

5.  Tight Ends
The tight ends could play a big role in Sunday’s game.  If either quarterback is under pressure, he’ll have to get the ball out quickly; likely over the middle to a tight end.  This will be an advantage for the 49ers for two reasons: First, they have possibly the best coverage linebackers in the NFL and Flacco doesn’t have the best accuracy on the intermediate routes; and secondly, Vernon Davis is a talented receiver and ball carrier and creates a very nice mismatch going against the Ravens’ linebackers.  If Baltimore hopes to have success, their young tight ends will have to do a good job of finding openings against top-not coverage.