Maybe we're ignoring the possi...

The 49ers' argument as the king of the NFC is airtight. If you're arguing another team as the best in that conference you're trying too hard. But there seems to be more trepidation about crowning Baltimore like we have San Francisco.

The Ravens, like the 49ers, have a one-game lead over any other team in the AFC. They're second in DVOA and it's a big gap to the Bills at No. 3. Baltimore is one of two teams, along with Kansas City, in the top eight of DVOA in offense, defense and special teams (the 49ers are 24th in special teams). They have the third-best point differential in the NFL at +159. (The Cowboys are No. 2 at +167 but their home/road splits are hard to ignore; Dallas is simply not the same team on the road.)

The Ravens rank in the top five in points scored (fourth), yards gained (fifth), points allowed (first) and yards allowed (second). That's impressive. They've also done it against a schedule that hasn't been easy. Baltimore's schedule ranks 15th-toughest in the NFL via DVOA, while San Francisco's is 25th.

The Ravens are an elite team by any measure, though it's hard to find a stat that places them above the 49ers. However — and no offense to Purdy — the Ravens do have an edge at the most important position.

Lamar Jackson makes a big difference

Both of these things can be true: Purdy deserves to be the favorite for MVP, and if you were playing tomorrow, nobody would pick him over Lamar Jackson.

Jackson continues to show that he is one of the truly elite quarterbacks in the NFL. He could end up being the MVP, especially if the Ravens beat the 49ers on Monday. He has warmed up to a new offensive scheme and now seems like a perfect fit for it. He is elevating everyone around him. He can make a handful of plays every game that can turn a loss into a win. Jackson hasn't had a great postseason yet in his career and that will follow him until it happens, but he's clearly a special player. That raises the Ravens' ceiling. In most games the Ravens play, they have the best player on the field.

Jackson will handle the offense and the defense is very good. The Ravens are fantastic against the pass, leading the league with 50 sacks despite not having an elite individual pass rusher. That speaks to coordinator Mike Macdonald, who has done a great job in his two seasons running Baltimore's defense. The defense can keep Baltimore in any game. That might be the biggest reason Baltimore has led every game with two minutes to go.

The Ravens are a well-coached, balanced team with a superstar quarterback and no glaring weakness. We'll see how close the Ravens and 49ers are when they meet Monday night. Maybe after that, the Ravens won't be under the radar anymore.