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San Francisco (4-1-0) at Tampa Bay (4-1-0)
- When: Oct 12 2025, 4:25 PM
- Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
- Where to watch: CBS
- Last Meeting: SF 23-20, November 10th, 2024
San Francisco vs Tampa Bay Preview & Prediction
Spread: Tampa Bay -3.5
Moneyline: Tampa Bay (-180)
Total: 47.0
San Francisco 49ers: Limping but Laughing Their Way to Wins
If there were a trophy for winning ugly but effectively, the 49ers would have a dynasty by now. Kyle Shanahan’s team has looked like a MASH unit all season, but somehow they’re 4-1 and leading the NFC West. San Francisco keeps duct-taping its roster together, and it’s still working.
With Brock Purdy’s toe forcing him to the sideline, Mac Jones: The Sequel takes center stage again. Jones, who was run out of New England faster than a Dunkin’ Donuts closing sale, has reinvented himself as a steady, sometimes surprisingly competent quarterback. He’s 3-0 as a starter and proving that maybe Bill Belichick was the problem all along.
Shanahan doesn’t care about stats, rankings, or looking good doing it. “I’ve been 5-0 and missed the playoffs,” he said. Translation: as long as they win, it doesn’t matter if they do it with field goals, flukes, or a pigeon returning punts.
Christian McCaffrey has been more of a wide receiver in disguise than a running back, catching everything short of satellite signals. His rushing stats look like he’s running behind cardboard cutouts, but his receiving yards have fantasy owners giggling like kids in a candy store.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mayfield’s Mayhem and Kicker Comedy Gold
Tampa Bay keeps finding ways to win games in the final seconds, usually after Baker Mayfield scrambles around like he’s late for his wedding and then throws a dart into triple coverage. Todd Bowles doesn’t mind the chaos as long as the scoreboard tilts in his favor.
Mayfield’s chemistry with rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka has been borderline telepathic. The kid already looks like a Pro Bowler, posting consecutive 100-yard games and making defensive backs question their career choices.
The Bucs even have comedy gold on special teams. Eddy Pineiro, their new kicker, hit a 59-yard field goal that “French kissed” the upright and still went in. His quote afterward? “I’m taking that pole to dinner.” Move over, stand-up comics, this man’s got postgame swagger.
With Bucky Irving sidelined, Rachaad White stepped up, found the end zone twice, and looked like he actually enjoyed running into defenders. Tampa’s offense may not be pretty, but it’s been clutch, and that’s all that matters in gambling and football.
Prediction
Tampa Bay’s late-game magic continues, and Mayfield’s swagger is too much for a banged-up 49ers squad. Expect fireworks, drama, and possibly another wild Pineiro field goal.
Final Score: Buccaneers 27, 49ers 23
Lean: Tampa Bay -3.5
Total: Over 47.0
- NFL Football Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
