The Baltimore Ravens are the Super Bowl champions after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl, but was the outcome really ever in question?

Technically yes, as the 49ers drove down to the red zone and had the chance to take the lead late in the fourth quarter after erasing a 22-point deficit, but according to recent NFL history, the game always was going to tip towards the Ravens.

According to Deadspin.com, aka the website that broke the amazing Manti Te'o dead girlfriend hoax scandal, the Ravens were no doubt going to win the Super Bowl because they played against the Eagles in Philadelphia's home opener. Let the article explain:

- "Baltimore Ravens - History Says They'll Win Super Bowl XLVII....It's because the Baltimore Ravens are playing the Philadelphia Eagles in the Eagles' home opener, and for the last three seasons, whoever plays that game against the Eagles wins, and goes on to win the Super Bowl."

Okay, so the Ravens lost by one, but they still played against the Eagles in their home opener and that's good enough to join these three below.

For information on the games:

-In 2009, the Eagles lost their first home game in blowout fashion to the New Orleans Saints 48-22. The Saints went on to defeat the Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl.

-In 2010, the Green Bay Packers open the season with a road win in Philadelphia, taking the victory 27-20 before going on to defeat the Steelers in the Super Bowl.

-In 2011, The Eagles have their first home game in Week 3, which just happens to be against the New York Giants. The NFC East rival wins on the road behind a breakout game from some unknown receiver named Victor Cruz who had three touchdowns. 

A stroke of luck? A Scheduling quirk? A little bad karma for all those Philly fans that booed Michael Irvin when he hurt his neck? Only the football Gods know for sure on this one.