Just like we all drew it up (but not really), the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to host the San Francisco 49ers with a chance to take over the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Despite injuries threatening to throw things off track, the Bucs are 4-1 and hot off a signature win over the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday. Baker Mayfield is putting together an MVP case as he carries the offense into one of the most productive stretches we've ever seen, and the vibes couldn't be more immaculate as the first quarter of the season wraps up.
We've all expected the Bucs to fall into the traps they've plummeted into before, but at every turn they've subverted expectations. There's a very real argument to be made that Tampa Bay is a bad blocked punt away from being undefeated, which is why there's some anxiety about the high-flying Bucs dropping the ball again with the 49ers in town in Week 6.
Here are three ways the 49ers can spoil the Buccaneers' Sunday.
1. Mac Jones cooks again
Mac Jones is somehow 3-0 as the 49ers starter, and while the record didn't show it, he put up solid stats with the Jaguars during his seven games as their starter in 2024, after Trevor Lawrence got hurt.
The point is, Jones has actually been playing solid football since leaving New England, and he is coming off a two-touchdown win over a very game Rams team.
It would be really annoying for Tampa Bay if Mac Jones continues to cook against them. Going on the road, still with an injured leg, and a very injured team (no George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, or Nick Bosa, to name a few) should be a recipe for disaster for a backup quarterback like Jones.
Of course, if Jones pulls off a fourth win this year, a conversation might begin about Jones' future as a starter. Let's hope that doesn't happen.
2. Bosa-less 49ers pass rush gets to Baker Mayfield
Without Nick Bosa, the 49ers' generational talent on the defensive line, they should have no real pass rush on Sunday against Tampa Bay. If Baker Mayfield finds himself under pressure, that will be a problem. The Tampa Bay o-line needs to protect Mayfield and not let an injury-weakened 49ers d-line get to him.
3. 49ers secondary shuts down Emeka Egbuka
With Emeka Egbuka playing like the league's best young receiver, Baker Mayfield has the Bucs offense on a roll. The 49ers will no doubt be trying their best to limit Egbuka's effectiveness in the passing attack. Tampa Bay needs to hope their efforts are in vain, because if Egbuka does not have a good game, the offense might struggle. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are both out, meaning it's all on Egbuka to carry the load for the Tampa Bay receiving corps.