Can you believe it? The 49ers are in the big game again. The road to New Orleans wasn’t easy, but San Francisco has a chance to tie Pittsburgh for the most Super Bowl victories (six) with a win against the Baltimore Ravens.

Rookie running back LaMichael James has made an impact in his short time on the active roster. James, who wasn’t a game-day participant until early December, has assumed a large role in the return game. The Ravens struggled against the Broncos on special teams, and James’ unique set of skills could pose a major threat.

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree has been spectacular in the playoffs and won’t fold on the NFL’s grandest stage. His ability to gain yards after the catch will be too much for a moth-eaten Ravens secondary.

Colin Kaepernick has revolutionized the way teams must defend athletic quarterbacks. The threat of the read-option leaves a defense vulnerable, and Baltimore’s linebackers aren’t athletic enough to adapt.

Joe Flacco’s legendary long ball very easily could turn into a turnover against a disciplined 49ers’ secondary.

Niners defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has employed a very aggressive unit, which has ranked among the NFL’s elite in all major statistics on defense. Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman and Aldon Smith lead a defense that will be tasked with shutting down the game plan of Jim Caldwell, who has been the Ravens offensive coordinator for only a little more than a month.