SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (-7) over Minnesota Vikings (UNDER 44½): Insightful weighing of a handful of exotic factors may possibly make the critical difference in a very tight handicap.

How much will San Francisco’s five-year absence from postseason play affect their potential advancement prospects, given their gifted roster? Will Vikings QB Kirk Cousins’ season-long workmanlike performance (excepting that disappointing outing when favored at Green Bay three weeks ago) carry over here? Perhaps most importantly, will the Vikings be up to strutting their best stuff so soon after their gigantic upset of the Saints six days ago in New Orleans (while the Niners haven’t been bruised in battle in 13 days)? We would not be surprised by any result.

The Niners haven’t participated in the playoffs since their near-miss in 2013, when quarterbacked by Colin Kaepernick and guided by coach Jim Harbaugh prior to Harbaugh’s return to the collegiate sidelines at Michigan. The Vikings hadn’t won a road game in the NFL postseason since 2004, prior to pulling it off in the Superdome last week.

The danger signs facing the Niners are a significant concern, due to the contrast in styles involved. After their flashy start against a questionable schedule in the season’s first half, San Francisco has been less than stellar defensively against play-action. Minnesota has thrived when employing it — especially with the return of RB Dalvin Cook, as evidenced against the Saints. But if San Fran is sharp early, look out.

49ers, 24-14

Tennessee Titans (+9¹/₂) over BALTIMORE RAVENS (UNDER 47): There’s no doubt that the Ravens are a powerhouse — but given that we harbor doubts this matchup will evolve into a frantic track meet, we’re compelled to accede the Titans a puncher’s chance to wind up within the handicap when the final gun goes off.

The Titans are led by ex-Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill. Thrust into action in relief in the sixth game of the season (when previous starter Marcus Mariota fell behind against the Broncos), Tannehill proceeded to win seven of 10 starts, including a snappy upset win at home against the Chiefs. The presence of standout RB Derrick Henry in the backfield for the Titans allowed head coach Mike Vrabel to restrict any possible overexposure of Tannehill.

We’re not going to rush to dis this visitor on the basis of either (a) coming off a win over the champion Patriots, and (b) playing their third consecutive road game. The 2019 Pats were anything but vintage, and the old “third straight road game” negative isn’t so scary when you’re catching close to double-digits.

We also believe the Ravens would have been better-served mentally if they had lost a game sometime in December, permitting them a chance to recalibrate and refocus, rather than entering this clash riding a 12-game winning streak, with only a couple of close calls during the run. Respect Baltimore hugely, but this is a fat number.

Ravens, 24-17

Wild-card weekend: 5-2-1. Sides: 2-1-1 (Bills, Push; Patriots, L; Vikings, W, Seahawks, W); Over/Unders: 3-1 (Texans Under, W; Titans Under, W; Saints Over, L; Seahawks Under, W).

Follow Richard Witt on Twitter: @rich_witt1.