Guerry Smith

Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Monday he had not talked to brother Jim since their postgame handshake Sunday night. Each made unconventional, risky, bold decisions in the second half of the season that turned playoff-caliber teams into champions. Both moves were heavily scrutinized and criticized at the time.

After almost nothing went wrong for the San Francisco 49ers' offense in the second half Sunday, just about everything did on the their final three plays.

The Ravens' Joe Flacco always contended he was among the NFL's elite quarterbacks and he did his best to answer doubters with an epic playoff run that was capped by being named the Super Bowl MVP.

49ers coach Jim Harbaugh did not shy away from letting the media know his unhappiness over what he said were bad calls by the referees, and the impact they had on the game.

It's safe to assume that Super Bowl XLVII didn't go exactly as planned -- for almost everyone involved. San Francisco didn't show up until the second half -- after the Superdome lost power -- precisely when Baltimore began a near-epic meltdown. But the Ravens held on to win one of the most electrifying world championships in recent memory 34-31.

To no one's surprise, linebackers Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks started the Super Bowl for the 49ers after being limited in practice all week. They were listed as probable with shoulder injuries on San Francisco's final injury report.

If San Francisco wins, these are the five most likely 49ers to be named Super Bowl XLVII MVP, from first to fifth.

For the 49ers to win their first Sper Bowl in 18 seasons, they'll have to not allow the deep ball, let Frank Gore carry them and not lose faith in Colin Kaepernick if he makes an early mistake

The San Franciso 49ers will beat the Ravens. They simply are more talented.

If the number of words spoken at the Harbaughs' joint press conference on Friday has a direct correlation to the outcome of Super Bowl XLVII, the San Francisco 49ers are in big trouble.

On their last trip to the New Orleans Super Dome, 49ers Ahmad Brooks and Donte Whitner returned interceptions for touchdowns in a key victory over a then-resurgent New Orleans Saints.

49ers defensive tackle Ray McDonald may be an unsung hero for the media and fans, but he's certainly not unappreciated by his teammates and coaches.

Coach Jim Harbaugh hopes Thursday's practice goes as well as Wednesday's session.

After several days of the hoopla that only the Super Bowl can deliver, the San Francisco 49ers were looking forward to playing football, even if it is on the practice field.

San Francisco's Michael Crabtree and Colin Kaepernick gelled quickly. Now that Kaepernick has discovered Vernon Davis, the Ravens will have their hands full.