Hagen’s Week 12 Preview – Bucs vs. 49ers

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In a week 12 matchup, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium. The 49ers have only won two games so far, whereas the Bucs have three wins. Theoretically, in a very weak NFC this year, the Buccaneers still have a chance to reach the playoffs. It would be a long shot and highly improbable, however.

The Bucs will be quarterbacked by Jameis Winston, who will go up against the 8th-ranked defense in the league. Winston will be under pressure to solidify his status as the future for the franchise in a must-win game. He will have to find a way to continue where he left off against the New York Giants after being put in the game with less than two quarters left to play.

The same goes for running back Peyton Barber, who had his best game of the year breaking multiple big runs and rushing for over 100 yards on 18 carries. His stellar performance will be hard to duplicate, though, as San Francisco only allows an average of 102.2 rushing yards per game. Needless to say, a solid running game will take tons of pressure off of the shoulders of Jameis Winston.

Tampa Bay’s 26th-ranked defense will face the 20th-ranked offense in this game. They will try to stop 2nd-year quarterback Nick Mullens, who will make only his third start in the NFL. The undrafted signal-caller has played well so far, completing 43 of his 61 passes for 512 yards and four touchdowns. He has thrown two interceptions so far.

Another weapon the Niners have at their disposal is running back Matt Breida, who averages almost 6 yards per tote. Expect him to run the ball well and go for over 100 yards on the ground and a score against Tampa’s depleted defense.

All in all, the Buccaneers should find a way to win this game at home. Winston will commit his turnovers—two to be exact—but he will also throw for two touchdowns. The Bucs pull it out at the end and finally get another much-needed win.

Final score: 28-24 Bucs!

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