Buccaneers at 49ers: Game preview, odds, prediction

Oct 10, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) drops back to pass during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Bucs defeated the Panthers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Here’s a complete preview and prediction for the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are fresh off of a bye week and a win against the Carolina Panthers. Colin Kaepernick is coming off of his first start for the San Francisco 49ers and will make his first at home this week. The two teams are trying to spark something for their season and Sunday’s game between the two should be a competitive one.

For those that want to watch the Buccaneers and 49ers on Sunday, the game can be seen on TV on FOX. It can also be watched online via a live stream via the NFL Sunday Ticket. The app requires a DirecTV subscription. Here’s everything you need to know about watching the game online, including TV info, live stream info and more. Details for Sunday are below.

Date: Sunday, October 23, 2016
Start Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
Location: Santa Clara, CA
Venue: Levi’s Stadium
TV Info: FOX
Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket

Keys to Victory

With Kaepernick under center, the 49ers really need to pick up the pace. Chip Kelly’s offense is at their best with a solid pace and without Carlos Hyde on the field, Kaepernick is going to have to make something happen.

He looked rusty in his first start against the Bills last week, but looked miles ahead of Blaine Gabbert. If he can trust his receivers and reads, he should have a good chance against a Tampa Bay secondary that has given up some chunk plays.

For Tampa Bay, they can drop guys into the secondary more than usual this week. With San Francisco relying on a limited running game without Hyde, they’ll make life even tougher for Kaepernick. It’s going to come down to the secondary trying to not let Kaepernick beat them.

They also have to come out fast. Like many east coast teams, Tampa Bay struggles with the long travel out west. In their first game out west this season against Arizona, the Buccaneers were blown out 40-7.

Prediction

This just has the makings of an ugly football game all over it. Jameis Winston is going to have to be accurate with his throws and Roberto Aguayo is going to have to make some crunch time kicks. Kaepernick is going to continue to gel with his offense even more this week and San Francisco pulls out an ugly win at home and builds a little confidence.

Pick: 49ers 20, Buccaneers 19