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Through 10 games, the 49ers have forced 26 turnovers, best in the NFL.
Through 10 games, the 49ers have turned the ball over nine times, fewest in the NFL.
That's how you win football games.
It all adds up to a plus-17 turnover ratio, by far the top mark in the league, and a 9-1 record for Jim Harbaugh's team.
It's been said that of all the statistics that are kept in this game (and there are many), turnover differential is by far the most important. Get extra possessions for your offense while taking care of the football yourself, and you've got a very good chance to be successful.
That's what the 49ers have done, and it's paid dividends.
San Francisco has started 25 drives in its opponents' territory, best in the NFL, a mark which can be partly attributed to special teams success, but is also a clear indication of how the 49ers have been able to capitalize off their opportunistic defense.
The Ravens are well aware of those numbers, but quarterback Joe Flacco says he won't let San Francisco's propensity to force turnovers affect his gameplan Thursday night.
"You have to go play," Flacco said. "I mean, when you watch the film, you can see that teams turn the ball over on them. It's not our job to pay attention to what other teams did and what they did against other teams. Our job is to go out there, execute our game plan and worry about what we can control."
On the other side of the ball, 49ers quarterback Alex Smith has done an excellent job of taking care of the football this season, throwing just four interceptions on 274 passing attempts. Do the math, and you'll realize that Smith has been picked off on just 1.5 percent of his passes this year.
It starts up front for Smith, as the 49ers have a tough, physical offensive line, and their running game also helps take some pressure off the San Francisco quarterback. But the onus will be on the Ravens' defense to try and get bodies to Smith and try and force him into mistakes.
"He's not trying to throw the ball into tight spots too much," cornerback Chris Carr said. "He takes what the defense gives him. He knows that their defense is playing really well. He's playing like a veteran quarterback, very smart. With their players and their scheme, it's very difficult for a defense because there is a lot to prepare for.
"Nothing really jumps out at you like, 'Oh we need to be scared.' But they're so solid in every formation and all the way around. They're a very solid football team."
