Two of the NFC’s high groups collide because the San Francisco 49ers (4-1) face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-1) on Sunday, October 12, at Raymond James Stadium. Each golf equipment enter with legit playoff aspirations however for various causes.
San Francisco had further time to arrange after edging the Los Angeles Rams 26-23 in extra time on Week 5 Thursday Night time Soccer. That recreation showcased each the 49ers’ resilience and their mounting harm challenges. With Brock Purdy sidelined, Mac Jones performed by a number of illnesses. He delivered a gritty 342-yard, two-touchdown efficiency regardless of taking a number of exhausting hits. The win, although expensive, gave head coach Kyle Shanahan’s workforce momentum heading into a vital street take a look at.
On the opposite aspect, Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers enter brimming with confidence after a 38-35 shootout win over Seattle. Tampa Bay’s balanced assault makes them one of the full groups within the convention.
A measuring stick for each groups
For the 49ers, this recreation represents a take a look at of depth and sturdiness. Accidents to key offensive gamers have pressured Shanahan to rely closely on Christian McCaffrey and the quick passing recreation. Nevertheless, however Tampa Bay’s entrance seven is among the most disciplined in soccer. The 49ers will want Jones to search out success on early downs to keep away from long-yardage conditions towards a cross rush led by Vita Vea and Lavonte David.
Tampa Bay, in the meantime, sees this as an opportunity to validate its standing amongst NFC heavyweights. The Buccaneers’ offense has been explosive even with out Mike Evans. That is because of Emeka Egbuka’s emergence as a legit downfield risk. With Mayfield’s effectivity enhancing week by week, head coach Todd Bowles has discovered the precise mix of managed aggression.
Each defenses are elite at limiting the run and creating stress. As such, whichever quarterback stays upright and mistake-free will seemingly determine this one.
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Right here we’ll have a look at and focus on some daring predictions for the sport between the 49ers and the Buccaneers in Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season.
Mac Jones begins however struggles
Mac Jones is anticipated to start out for San Francisco regardless of knee and indirect accidents. That mentioned, his well being and safety might be key issues. Jones has proven toughness and command underneath Shanahan’s scheme. Nonetheless, Tampa Bay’s protection presents a extra formidable problem.
Jones’ tendency to carry the ball underneath stress may spell bother towards the Buccaneers’ entrance seven. Count on Shanahan to rely closely on fast throws, screens, and motion-based performs to maintain the cross rush sincere. Even so, Jones might battle to maintain drives or generate massive performs downfield. A stat line round 220 passing yards, one landing, and one interception feels lifelike towards this aggressive Tampa Bay protection.
Christian McCaffrey restricted to underneath 100 whole yards
When wholesome, Christian McCaffrey is San Francisco’s engine. He’s a risk to attain from wherever on the sector. Nevertheless, the Buccaneers’ defensive scheme is tailored to restrict backs like him. Tampa Bay ranks among the many high 5 in run protection. As of this writing, they permit fewer than 85 dashing yards per recreation.
McCaffrey posted 139 whole yards and a landing towards the Rams final week. Bear in mind, although, that it got here with a heavy quantity of 30 touches in whole. Towards Tampa Bay, anticipate the workload to stay excessive however the effectivity to dip. With linebackers David and Haason Reddick patrolling the center, McCaffrey might discover little room to maneuver. At the same time as a receiver, he’ll seemingly see bracket protection on key downs. Search for him to complete with underneath 100 whole yards.
Niners can’t include Emeka Egbuka
Few gamers have been as impactful for Tampa Bay in latest weeks as Egbuka. He has stepped seamlessly into the WR1 position, posting back-to-back 100-yard video games. These had been capped by a 163-yard, one-touchdown effort towards Seattle. His chemistry with Mayfield is simple.
Notice that San Francisco’s secondary, whereas bodily, has struggled towards shifty route-runners. Egbuka’s precision and separation potential may show problematic for corners tasked with man protection obligations. Count on him to log one other seven-plus catches and 100+ yards. He’ll proceed his torrid tempo and punish any defensive lapses the 49ers make.
49ers crushed by Baker Mayfield’s clutch efficiency
Say what you’ll about Baker Mayfield. He has been one of the dependable closers within the NFL this season. He has guided the Buccaneers to 4 wins, with three of them that includes fourth-quarter scoring drives. Towards the 49ers’ vaunted protection, his poise underneath stress will once more be examined. Thus far, although, he’s handed each problem.
San Francisco’s defensive entrance stays susceptible to cell quarterbacks who can lengthen performs. Mayfield’s off-script creativity and fast decision-making might be essential. Count on him to throw for 250+ yards and two touchdowns, including a number of key scrambles to maneuver the chains. Extra importantly, he’ll make the precise performs late to safe one other Tampa Bay win.
Backside line
This recreation has all of the makings of a playoff-caliber battle. That mentioned, the 49ers’ accidents and offensive limitations might show an excessive amount of to beat towards a Buccaneers squad firing on all cylinders. Count on Tampa Bay to manage the tempo, win the turnover battle, and capitalize late behind Mayfield’s composure. We’ve the Buccaneers successful, 27-23. Tampa Bay sends a message to the remainder of the NFC: the street to the convention crown would possibly simply run by Raymond James Stadium.