49ers-Buccaneers Predictions: We expect the Niners to score 39 points

The San Francisco 49ers (4-4) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5) are in a similar situation after both making the playoffs in 2024.

San Francisco was slow from the start, starting the season 2-3, but has hit .500 with wins in two of its last three games. Tampa Bay, on the other hand, started well and took a 3-1 lead in the first month of the season. But since then, the Bucs have lost four of five games, including the last three and Mike Evans and Chris Godwin due to injuries.

The 49ers are coming off a bye week while the Buccaneers played on Monday night, and San Francisco will have Christian McCaffrey for the first time this year.

49ers at Buccaneers odds, moneyline and over/under

Fanduel expects the 49ers to win consecutive games in Tampa Bay by just a touchdown for the first time this season:

• Spread: 49ers (-6.5)
• Moneyline: 49ers (-290); Buccaneers (+235)
• Over/under: 50.5

Predictions

Andrew Pasquini: 49ers 35, Buccaneers 20

Two weeks ago I mentioned that Dallas was throwing the ball too often like the Seahawks do, which played into the 49ers' hands.

Tampa Bay falls into this category. In seven games with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, the Bucs threw the ball 33.4 times per game. In the two games since then without both players, Tampa Bay has thrown the ball 40.5 times per game. Both numbers are too high for a 49ers defense that loves to take on pass-heavy offenses. While Tampa Bay runs the ball better than Dallas and Seattle, it may have to throw more if San Francisco takes an early lead.

Did I mention Christian McCaffrey is playing on Sunday? The red zone issues will be addressed and the 49ers offense will take the early lead and hang in there for the rest of the game.

Jason Aponte: 49ers 31, Buccaneers 17

The Bucs field the third-worst pass defense in the league, allowing 255.9 passing yards per game. Christian McCaffrey and Jauan Jennings will certainly provide a boost in terms of offense and the red zone. Tampa Bay will be without its star receivers, but I expect the Bucs to play with their backs against the wall. It just won't be enough on Sunday.

The 49ers want to put the league on the map with their strong reinforcements. A late season race begins on Sunday. It has to start on Sunday, and the 49ers will come out with great urgency. If not, the conversation needs to change.

Rohan Chakravarthi: 49ers 31, Buccaneers 13

This is the most optimistic I've been about the 49ers in weeks, with the return of Christian McCaffrey and the reset from the bye week.

San Francisco's offense should thrive in this matchup as Tampa Bay struggles to control both the passing game (255.9 yards per game, 30th in the NFL) and running game (130.8 yards per game, 29th in the NFL).

The addition of McCaffrey should provide a boost in both categories and, more importantly, help in the red zone, where San Francisco has struggled all year.

I see San Francisco coming out hot and the Buccaneers will have to play from behind in this game. Tampa Bay's offense uses a pass-heavy approach, even without Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, and it throws the ball close to the sticks at a high rate of speed, something the 49ers have typically had success against.

If the 49ers attack well, they should be able to get off the field on third down, which could lead to what could be their most comfortable win since Weeks.