49ers vs Buccaneers Week 6 Preview
The San Francisco 49ers travel down to Tampa Bay to square off against the Buccaneers in a 4-1 clash for a top spot in the NFC. In a game that may come down to the wire, something that both of these teams are used to, this matchup is sure to be electric. Let’s take a look at what both these teams have on their hands leading up to game day.
Setting The Stage
The 49ers are beat up, bruised, but still somehow managed to outplay the Rams on Thursday Night Football with their practice squad on the field. QB Mac Jones battled multiple injuries as he kept his team fighting until the end, racking up 342 passing yards on 49 attempts with two touchdowns through the air.
As a surprise to a lot of people given his performance the week prior, WR Kendrick Bourne scorched the field with 10 catches for 142 yards. The 49ers will yet again look to rely on these guys as Brock Purdy (toe) and Ricky Pearsall (knee) look to be sidelined in Tampa Bay, although the latter has a slim chance to suit up and be available.
The Buccaneers are one of the hottest teams in the NFL. Led by early MVP candidate Baker Mayfield, this team does not know the word “quit”. The Bucs have won all four of their games in the final minute, with Mayfield leading the drives.
Another player emerging out of Tampa Bay is first-round WR Emeka Egbuka, who has stepped into the WR1 role with Mike Evans sidelined. Egbuka has hauled in 25 catches for 445 yards and five scores this season, making him an early favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Egbuka is also coming off his best performance against Seattle, racking up 163 yards on seven catches and a score. After a thrilling 38-35 win over Seattle, the Bucs look to continue to put their talents on full display.
Injuries
This feels like a broken record at this point, but the 49ers are still one of the most injured teams in the NFL. Without starting QB Brock Purdy for the fourth week this year, backup QB Mac Jones will make his fourth start. However, Jones is dealing with his own injuries, as it was reported that he did not throw during Thursday’s practice due to his knee and oblique injuries. Jones took a considerably large amount of hits in Los Angeles, so his ability to play at a high level on Sunday should be in question. Other players who were listed as DNP (did not practice) Thursday are WR Ricky Pearsall, WR Jordan Watkins, DL Yetur Gross-Matos and DE Robert Beal Jr.
The Buccaneers are not the most healthy team, either. As mentioned before, star WR Mike Evans is still sidelined with a hamstring injury he suffered in Week 3 against the Jets. WR Chris Godwin was listed as DNP on Thursday as he recovers from a fibula injury he suffered in 2024, and has been ramping up his usage over the last couple of weeks. RB Bucky Irving was also on the injury report as a DNP for a foot and shoulder injury, and OT Tristan Wirfs was limited due to a knee injury. Definitely something to keep an eye on ahead of Sunday’s matchup.
Matchups to Watch
Baker Mayfield vs 49ers Secondary
Baker Mayfield has been one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL this season, and he’s very good at exploiting a defense’s weakness. The 49ers have given up an average of 215.8 yards per game to opposing quarterbacks, with a 67.1 completion percentage and a 100.1 passer rating. Mayfield has averaged 256.6 passing yards per game and a passer rating of 104.4 so far this season. What the 49ers don’t want is the game to be decided on Baker Mayfield’s arm.
49ers Pass Rush vs Bucs O-Line
Since the loss of Nick Bosa, the 49ers have not been able to generate much pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This will be crucial when facing a quarterback like Mayfield. One thing the 49ers don’t need is to give Mayfield time in the pocket and allow his receivers to get downfield.
Todd Bowles vs Kyle Shanahan
Just when everyone counted the 49ers out, Kyle Shanahan schemed up his practice squad to run up 422 total offensive yards against the Rams. If there is one thing Shanahan is good at, it’s exploiting your weaknesses on defense, and this year, the Buccaneers defensive weakness is their linebackers. Expect quick throws over the middle, and deep crossing routes, a Shanahan specialty.
The Buccaneers win, IF…
If the Bucs plan to go to bed Sunday night at 5-1, they need to limit their mistakes, and try not to play from behind. If there is one thing this 49ers team has shown this year, it’s that they can win gritty games. Mayfield needs to target the young secondary, and the Bucs must capitalize on a depleted defensive front. Clock management and long, efficient drives will seal the deal for Tampa Bay.
The 49ers win, IF…
For the 49ers, things may be a little different. They must again rely on their depth to bring this game home. The return of Malik Mustapha and possible return of Kevin Givens gives them a glimmer of hope on the defensive side of the ball. They need to make Mayfield uncomfortable, and limit the explosive plays he and Egbuka have been stirring up all year. On the offensive side of the ball, it’s going to come down to just how healthy Mac Jones really is. Since they are only averaging a mere 2.2 yards per carry, this game will probably be decided by how efficient Jones can be in the passing game.
This is a really good test for both teams, and a possible playoff matchup if things continue to shake out like they have been. The 49ers are looking to continue to stack wins with the absence of their blue chip players, in hopes to get them back and bring this season home. The Bucs have a similar plan in mind, hoping Baker Mayfield stays on fire and leads this Bucs team to the playoffs for a third year in a row. Time will tell, and Sunday can’t come soon enough.