What a wild time to be alive. NFL Week 14 brings an interesting matchup between two teams that will be starting very different quarterbacks: the San Francisco 49ers hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Let’s dig into the game for this 49ers-Buccaneers prediction, odds and pick.
NFL Odds: Buccaneers-49ers Odds
It’s Brock Purdy Time
The 49ers just can’t catch a break at quarterback this season. The Trey Lance era was supposed to be fully underway, but he was lost for the season after an ankle injury in Week 2. Luckily, they had veteran Jimmy Garoppolo waiting in the wings. And just when it looked like they were shaping up to be one of the best teams in the NFC, Garoppolo was lost for the remainder of the regular season with a foot injury. In came Brock Purdy, who was the last player selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He did at least make a good first impression, throwing for 210 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in relief of Garoppolo last week against the Miami Dolphins.
Purdy’s first NFL start won’t be an easy one. The Buccaneers have only allowed an average of 18.3 points per game, which is fifth lowest in the NFL. They also generate a lot of pressure, posting the fourth-most sacks (38). The NFL Player Props Tool has Purdy projected to throw for 188.2 yards and 1.1 touchdowns.
Can the Buccaneers Build Some Momentum?
The Buccaneers looked headed for a disappointing loss to the New Orleans Saints on Monday, but Tom Brady helped them to a comeback win and a two-game lead in the loss column atop the NFC South. He attempted a season-high 54 passes, finishing with 281 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. After a quiet start to the season, Brady has thrown at least two touchdown passes in each of the past three games.
It’s going to be difficult for Brady to maintain his multitouchdown streak in this matchup. The 49ers have allowed the fewest points per game (15.8) in the NFL, which can be attributed to them allowing a total of just 11 touchdowns passing. They also have generated 12 interceptions and recorded 36 sacks. The NFL Player Props Tool has Brady projected to finish with 237.3 yards passing and 1.4 touchdowns.
Final Buccaneers-49ers Prediction & Pick
This has the makings of a defensive battle. The 49ers will likely try to lean on Christian McCaffrey and their running game, although not having Elijah Mitchell (knee) to take some of the pressure off McCaffrey isn’t ideal. McCaffrey received 17 carries against the Dolphins last week with Mitchell out and Garoppolo going down, which were his most in a game since joining the 49ers. The best way to go at this game might be to attack the total based on the uncertainty that comes with Purdy. The under has hit in seven of the past eight games for the Buccaneers.
Final Buccaneers-49ers Pick: Under 37.5 Points (-110 BetMGM)
