Ravens vs. 49ers: Predictions, odds and fantasy news for Monday Night Football

Christmas Day caps off Week 16 of NFL action with one of the best games of the year between the top teams in both conferences. The AFC-leading Baltimore Ravens (11-3) head west to take on the NFC-leading San Francisco 49ers (11-3) on Monday Night Football.

The Ravens come into their Christmas Day matchup riding a four-game winning streak, including two primetime wins on Sunday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 12 and the Jacksonville Jaguars last week. The offense, led by MVP candidate Lamar Jackson, is averaging more than 400 yards per game on offense during this streak. Baltimore's defense ranks best in the league in points allowed this season and continues to hold opposing offenses in check, especially the pass defense.

NFL playoff picture Week 16: Big AFC changes, Bills replacing Bengals as projected wild card

San Francisco's riding a six-game winning streak following the 49ers' Week 9 bye. Since that week off, the 49ers have outscored opponents 207-94 and looked dominant on both sides of the ball. The offense is humming behind MVP favorite Brock Purdy by averaging 437 yards per game during this winning streak. The defense continues to be a turnover machine with 12 takeaways in the last six games.

This game could be a preview of this year's Super Bowl. The Ravens and 49ers are two of three teams to rank top five in both points allowed and points scored along with the Dallas Cowboys. The result will likely have a massive impact on the 2023 NFL MVP race.

NFL Week 16 picks: Cowboys, Dolphins set to clash with huge playoff implications at stake

Ravens vs. 49ers predictions:

The Arizona Republic: 49ers 24, Ravens 21

Jeremy Cluff writes, "Could this be a possible Super Bowl preview? These teams lead their respective conferences and are both 11-3. The Ravens are 6-1 on the road. The 49ers are 5-1 at home. We could be in for Christmas Day treat."

CBS Sports: 49ers 29, Ravens 21

Pete Prisco says, "These are the two best teams in either conference. The 49ers get a break getting the Ravens playing consecutive road games. The 49ers offense is the best unit of all four in this game, which is why I think they win this one."

Sporting News: 49ers 24, Ravens 20

Vinnie Iyer writes, "There's a lot of shining on the offensive marquee here, but don't forget about two talented, active defenses that have playmakers, sound tacklers, and savvy cover men. There will be some points left on the table with some third-down stops, and every score will be hard-earned."

Winners and Whiners: Ravens +6

Paul Biagioli says, "Baltimore has the best scoring defense in the league, if anyone can stop the 49ers, it's Baltimore. The 49ers are not invincible, and taking six points with the Ravens is the right play."

Pickswise: 49ers -5.5

John Martin writes, "The Ravens’ defense will be up for the challenge, and it’s among the best the 49ers have seen this year, but stepping in front of this San Francisco train is simply just not something I’m interested in doing. They’ve picked their number all year long regardless of opponent and I don’t really see that changing against a Ravens offense that was fairly unremarkable against a much worse Jags defense, even in a win, last week."

Opinion: NFL has ample qualified women vying to be general managers. It's up to owners to shed bias.

How to watch Monday Night Football Week 16 Ravens vs. 49ers: TV and streaming

• When: Monday, Dec. 25

• Where: Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California

• Time: 8:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. PT

• TV: ABC

• Stream: ESPN+

How to watch: Catch football action on ESPN+

Monday Night Football Week 16: Chargers vs. Raiders lines, betting trends

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 Saturday evening:

• Spread: 49ers (-6)

• Moneyline: 49ers (-275); Ravens (+220)

• Over/under: 46.5

Fantasy Football News:

Baltimore wide receivers Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. both appeared on the injury report this week with a foot injury and an illness, respectively. Both were full-go in practice on Friday and are expected to play.

Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley (concussion) also fully practiced and will likely start on Monday Night Football. That'll be key for both Jackson and Baltimore's running backs Gus Edwards and Justice Hill. The latter of those running backs could see more action in the backfield after the season-ending injury to rookie running back Keaton Mitchell last week.

The 49ers announced their official injury report for MNF and wide receiver Jauan Jennings has not cleared concussion protocol and will miss the game. Starting defensive tackle Arik Armstead (foot, knee) has been ruled out as well. Without Armstead and fellow defensive tackle Javon Hargrave in the lineup last week against the Arizona Cardinals, the 49ers gave up a season-high 234 yards rushing. That could benefit Edwards and Hill. Hargrave is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury.

Running back Elijah Mitchell (knee) is also questionable but he's been splitting touches with Jordan Mason as the second running back. Mitchell may be kept out of action on Monday Night Football as a precaution thanks to Mason's recent production. Look for Mason to be an option in deep fantasy football leagues against a Ravens defense allowing 102 rushing yards per game.

Greatness under center: Five most heroic QB performances in NFL this season

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ravens vs. 49ers: Predictions, odds, and fantasy news for MNF