Why titanic clash between 49ers and Ravens means little for a potential Super Bowl rematch

Injuries have made 49ers, Ravens very different right now

The age-old caveat to all games, both the Ravens and 49ers head into Monday's game dealing with some injuries.

On the 49ers' end, both starting defensive tackles, Arik Armstead and Javon Hargrave, have not practiced this week and are questionable to play against Baltimore. They have Ray-Ray McCloud, their primary punt-returner, still on injured reserve, along with a glut of injuries on their defensive line depth.

The Ravens, on the other hand, are dealing with injuries to Odell Beckham Jr., one of their best receivers, and their star tight end Mark Andrews is still on IR, potentially able to come back in the playoffs.

These injuries change the complexion of the game for both teams. Armstead and Hargrave are requirements for having a decent run defense, something the Ravens can easily take advantage of with them out.

For the Ravens, Mark Andrews and Odell Beckham Jr. create unique matchup advantages that can stress San Francisco's defense.

Super Bowl Sunday between these two teams would have very different lineups, making this game not all that indicative of the teams.