7:12 a.m. AKST, January 31, 2013
About Baltimore Sun staff picks:

Each week, Sun columnists and NFL reporters will pick games (not against the spread)

Sunday's Super Bowl

Ravens vs. 49ers

Kevin Cowherd

Championship week: 1-1

Overall: 178-87-1

Ravens 27, 49ers 20

I'm not picking against them again. Uh-uh. I learned my lesson. This team is playing with a swagger we haven't seen in years. Joe Flacco has been masterful, the offensive line has jelled, the defense is punishing people. They'll hoist the Lombardi Trophy Sunday night.

Edward Lee

Championship week: 1-1

Overall: 160-105-1

49ers 31, Ravens 28

Few defenses have been able to decipher the read-option offense, and the Ravens won't have many answers either. There will be a lot of Kaepernicking and tears from Ray Lewis as the Ravens' leader rides off into the sunset without a second Super Bowl ring.

Mike Preston

Championship week: 2-0

Overall: 170-95-1

Ravens 27, 49ers 24

The 49ers have more talent, but the Ravens have more veterans at key positions who will step up and make big plays in key situations. Also, the Ravens will keep enough pressure on 49ers young quarterback Colin Kaepenick to force several mistakes.

Peter Schmuck

Championship week: 2-0

Overall: 173-92-1

Ravens 30, 49ers 20

Ravens have more experience in all the right places and they have most of the mojo going into the game. They need to come out swinging, but if they do, there's going to be a parade on Tuesday.

Matt Vensel

Championship week: 0-2

Overall: 165-100-1

Ravens 27, 49ers 23

In another tight Super Bowl, the Ravens will stick with the script that got them there: physical defense, especially in the red zone, and a wide-open offense with Joe Flacco, your Super Bowl MVP.

Aaron Wilson

Championship week: 1-1

Overall: 178-87-1

Ravens 20, 49ers 17

A classic defensive battle is claimed by the Ravens during Ray Lewis' last ride, and the outcome is, surprise, surprise, determined by the kicking game as rookie Justin Tucker hits the game-winner while embattled 49ers kicker David Akers misses a crucial field goal. Joe Flacco wins the Most Valuable Player, increasing his asking price for upcoming contract negotiations.

Jeff Zrebiec

Championship week: 1-1

Overall: 170-95-1

Ravens 26, 49ers 24

I don't think the Ravens are necessarily the better team but all week, they've looked like the looser and more confident one. After dispatching of Denver and New England, the Ravens clearly believe that this is their time. And that belief, coupled by the resurgent defense forcing a few turnovers, will carry them to their second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history.