Our Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. San Francisco 49ers prediction takes a look at the Week 14 matchup that features a resilient offense versus a relentless defense. Let’s take a look at the current sports betting odds, key storylines to watch, and make a prediction for the game. Note that all odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook as of Tuesday, Dec. 6.
Buccaneers vs. 49ers Odds
- Spread
49ers -3.5 - Moneyline
49ers -175, Buccaneers +150 - Over/Under
37 points
Buccaneers vs. 49ers Prediction
Tampa Bay maintained their hold on first place in the NFC South last week after a heroic late-game comeback from Tom Brady and the offense. The Saints controlled the majority of the game, as the Buccaneers failed to move the ball much on offense, but Brady was able to pull off one of his patented comeback victories.
The Bucs still have plenty to fix on offense — no one’s arguing that — but now, at 6-6 on the season, they control their own destiny when it comes to making the playoffs. The Atlanta Falcons sit a game and a half behind them at 5-8 on the season, with a bye coming this week. Meanwhile, the Panthers and Saints both have just four wins on the season up to this point.
Still, as mentioned above, Tampa Bay has a lot to fix on offense, and this probably isn’t the week to expect things to shift and change much.
The 49ers’ defense has absolutely suffocated opposing offenses this year. They are currently the league’s best defense in opponent points per game, the best defense in opponent rushing yards per game, and are ranked top-12 in opponent passing yards per game.
The key for Tampa Bay to win this matchup rests on the shoulders of the offense. The running game is going to struggle this week against San Francisco’s defensive front. The passing game has to rise up and execute, which is certainly no small ask.
If they can simply move the ball, though — and the defense can keep the 49ers’ offense in check — the Buccaneers could squeak out a victory here and move to above .500 on the season.
MORE: Panthers vs. Seahawks Prediction, Odds, and Picks for Week 14
The 49ers are currently riding a five-game winning streak coming into this matchup against the Bucs and they are still atop the NFC West. However, the optimism regarding this team’s outlook for the remainder of the year is drastically different than what it was just a week ago.
All storylines going into this game are going to revolve around Jimmy Garoppolo being out for the year with a foot injury and Brock Purdy being the starting QB moving forward. Purdy, a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is going to have a tough task in front of him to keep this team afloat.
The 49ers were generating buzz recently to potentially be the team that represents the NFC in the Super Bowl with the way their defense has been playing and how the offense was executing. However, those hopes now all ride on a rookie QB that’s going to go up against one of the tougher defenses the league has to offer this week.
The key for San Francisco winning this game is certainly dependent upon Purdy being competent and getting the ball out into the hands of his playmakers. However, the 49ers walking away with a victory is truly on the defense continuing to play at an elite level.
The Buccaneers’ offense hasn’t been spectacular this season. And if San Francisco can keep Brady and this offense under 14 points, the 49ers should be able to do enough on offense to get a victory in a low-scoring affair.
Buccaneers vs. 49ers Prediction
49ers 20, Bucs 17