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

San Francisco was slow out of the gate, starting the season 2-3, but with wins in two of the last three games they were at .500. Tampa Bay, on the other hand, started hot, winning 3-1 in the first month of the season. But since then, the Bucs have dropped four of five, including losing the last three and losing Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to injuries.

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

49ers vs. Buccaneers odds, moneyline and over/under

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

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

Predictions

Andrew Pasquini: 49ers 35, Buccaneers 20

Two weeks ago I mentioned that Dallas is throwing the ball too much, like the Seahawks do, which plays into the 49ers’ hands.

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

Did I mention Christian McCaffrey is playing on Sunday? The red zone issues will be resolved and the 49ers offense will jump out to that early lead and keep pace for the rest of the game.

Jason Aponte: 49ers 31, Buccaneers 17

The Bucs field the third-worst passing defense in the league, allowing 255.9 passing yards per game. Christian McCaffrey and Jauan Jennings will certainly be a boost to the offensive and red zone issues. Tampa Bay doesn’t have any star receivers, but I expect the Bucs to play with their backs against the wall. It won’t be enough on Sunday.

The 49ers want to draw attention to the league with their healthy reinforcements. A post-season run starts on Sunday. It should start on Sunday and the 49ers will rush out. If not, the conversation will have 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 of the bye week.

San Francisco’s offense should feast in this matchup, as Tampa Bay struggles in the passing game (255.9 yards per game, 30th in NFL), as well as the run game (130.8 yards per game, 29th in NFL ) to defend.

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 having to play from behind in this one. Tampa Bay’s offense uses a pass-heavy approach, even without Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, and they throw the ball in front of the sticks at a high rate, which the 49ers have mostly had success against.

If the 49ers play well, they should be able to get off the field on third downs, which could lead to their most comfortable win in Weeks.