The Baltimore Ravens, sitting atop the AFC at 11-3, find themselves as underdogs against the San Francisco 49ers in the upcoming Monday night game, marking only the second instance this season where the Ravens aren’t the favored team. Despite their impressive record, some players on the Ravens feel disrespected by the odds, expressing confidence in their abilities. Safety Kyle Hamilton mentioned feeling like the best team in the league and sees the game as an opportunity to prove it on a national stage.
Baltimore, with aspirations of winning the AFC North and securing the top seed in the conference for the playoffs, faces a critical stretch toward the end of the season. The Ravens currently hold a one-game lead over the Miami Dolphins for the top seed. To achieve their goals, they must overcome the San Francisco 49ers on Christmas, where a win would clinch their first division title in four years.
Head coach John Harbaugh acknowledged that some players took issue with being underdogs, but he seemed to embrace the doubt, smiling and indicating that it was mentioned in conversations with the team. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, known for his calm demeanor, is unfazed by being the underdog. He highlighted the team’s tendency to perform better when doubted and expressed a preference for that mindset. Underdogs have won the last seven Monday night games, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup as the Ravens seek to defy the odds once again.