The San Francisco 49ers face a critical matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, aiming to secure a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The Buccaneers boast a formidable offensive line, ranked second in the league, which poses a significant challenge for the 49ers' defense. Key players like Tristan Wirfs and Ben Bredeson will be crucial in this battle.
George Kittle's performance is pivotal, as he approaches a franchise record, while Cade Otton emerges as a key target for the Buccaneers. The 49ers must limit Otton's impact to force Baker Mayfield to less reliable options.
Christian McCaffrey's usage in his return from injury raises concerns, as the 49ers also have promising running backs in Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo. Balancing McCaffrey's contributions while protecting his health will be vital for the team's playoff aspirations.