The Tampa Bay Buccaneers return home in Week Six to play the San Francisco 49ers in a showdown of two of the NFL's seven 4-1 teams. There are no undefeated teams remaining and Bucs-49ers will represent the only matchup of 4-1 teams on this week's slate. The game is set for Sunday, October 12 at Raymond James Stadium, with kickoff at 4:25 p.m. ET and the CBS set to broadcast it locally and to a broader national audience.
After taking their first loss in Week Four to the defending-champion Eagles, the Buccaneers rebounded in Week Five with a huge road win over another top NFC contender in Seattle. As was the case in each of their first three victories as well, this 38-35 decision was secured by a score in the game's final minute, in this case a 39-yard Chase McLaughlin field goal after a clutch interception by Lavonte David. Baker Mayfield was nearly flawless in the game, completing 29 of 33 passes for 379 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, and his favorite target was rising star rookie Emeka Egbuka, who caught all seven passes thrown his way for 163 yards and his fifth touchdown of the season. The Buccaneers won the turnover battle, 2-0, and have avoided turning the ball over in four of their first five games.
The 49ers got the NFL's fifth week started with a down-to-the-wire 26-23 overtime road win over the Rams on Thursday Night Football. After kicking a field goal on the first drive of the extra period, San Francisco won the game when rookie safety Marques Sigle and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir combined to stop Kyren Williams for no gain on a bold fourth-and-one call by Sean McVay. Mac Jones, making his third start in place of an injured Brock Purdy, completed 33 of 49 passes for 342 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions and the peerless Christian McCaffrey had 139 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown catch.
Here are four major storylines and four head-to-head player battles to keep an eye on in Week Six as the Bucs prepare for the 49ers' visit and a third straight battle between two first-place teams.
TOP STORYLINES
NFC Bragging Rights on the Line – Last week, the NFL announced that it was flexing the Buccaneers game against San Francisco from its original 1:00 p.m. kickoff to the late afternoon slot in order to make it available to a larger national audience. That was unsurprising because, as noted above, this is the only Week Six contest featuring two of the seven times tied for the NFL's top record. In the NFC, there are four such teams, and, barring a tie, either the Buccaneers or 49ers will still be atop the conference heap when the weekend wraps up. The Bucs and Eagles were the only 3-0 teams to play each other in Week Four, and when Tampa Bay went to Seattle in Week Five it was a battle between 3-1, first-place teams. The theme continues in Week Six, as the Bucs win over the Seahawks helped push San Francisco into sole possession of the NFC West. The Buccaneers are very interested in starting to even up what has become a lopsided series of late, with San Francisco beating them four times in a row over the course of the last six seasons, including once in each of the last three years. The Bucs' four-game losing streak in the series is their longest active one against any NFC team; finding a way to break that 49ers stranglehold would further cement the Buccaneers' case for prime contender status in the conference.
Mac Jones or Brock Purdy? – Brock Purdy, the 49ers' starting quarterback since late in his 2022 rookie season, missed the 49ers' games in Weeks Two and Three with a toe injury, then returned to start in Week Four but aggravated the injury and sat out again last Thursday against Arizona. As noted earlier, former Patriots first-round pick Mac Jones, who signed with the 49ers as an unrestricted free agent after one season in Jacksonville, has stepped in for Purdy and kept the team's number-one ranked passing attack humming. The 49ers held a "bonus" practice on Monday after their mini-bye over the weekend, but Purdy was not on the field during the portion open to the media. Purdy would surely love to come back for this weekend's game if he can, as he's had some enjoyable experiences against the Buccaneers. He won his first career start against Tampa Bay in 2022 and is currently 3-0 against them with seven touchdown passes, no interceptions and a 137.8 passer rating. Jones has only made one career start against the Bucs, and it was a loss in his rookie season, but he played well in what was a very tight contest. In his three starts this season, he has thrown for 905 yards, six touchdowns, one interception and a 99.1 passer rating. Of course, it likely won't matter which quarterback starts on Sunday if the Buccaneers are unable to apply pressure on him after failing to sack Seattle's Sam Darnold once in Week Five. Both Purdy and Jones are fully capable of carving up an opposing defense if they consistently have time to throw.
Does the Drama Continue? – Each of the Buccaneers' first five games has been decided by a single score, and the team is 4-1 despite having scored just three more points than their opponents (135-132). As mentioned earlier, all four of their wins have come on last-minute scores, and they had a legitimate shot to complete a big comeback in their 31-25 loss to Philadelphia. Can that sort of late-game drama continue in Week Six? As Mayfield said following the walk-off win Seattle, "[A]s long as we have time on the clock, we've got a chance, and our guys truly, truly believe that from the bottom of our hearts." To double down on the theme, all five of San Francisco's games so far have been decided by five or fewer points and the are only plus-eight in scoring differential, as well. The Niners scored on a walk-off field goal in Week Three to beat the Cardinals, scored the game-winning points in Seattle with 90 seconds left in Week One and went to overtime with the Rams last Thursday. There's a good chance these two teams will take Sunday's game down to the wire.
The Biggest Takeaway – The Buccaneers have only committed a turnover in one of their five games so far this season, and it is no coincidence that that was also their only loss. The Bucs had a negative-two turnover differential in their five-point loss to Philadelphia but were plus-two against both Houston and Seattle, which proved to be the difference in the outcome. Most recently, a fumble recovery led to a touchdown drive in Seattle and Lavonte David's interception led directly to the game-winning field goal. The Bucs two giveaways on the season are tied for the second-lowest total of the season. The surprise counterpart to this is that San Francisco's defense is one of only two in the league that is yet to secure an interception, though they are tied for the NFL lead with five opponent fumble recoveries. As coaches are fond of saying, turnovers often seem to come in bunches, so the Buccaneers will be trying to make sure the 49ers don't flip the takeaway switch this weekend. If this is game is as tight as the previous note suggests it will be, turnovers could very well be the deciding factor.
View the top images of Tampa Bay's game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, October 5th, 2025 at Lumen Field.
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Bucco Bruce helmet before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Safety Kaevon Merriweather #26 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Punter Riley Dixon #9 and Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Haason Reddick #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Running Back Josh Williams #18 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Guard Elijah Klein #79 and Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Fans before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Linebacker Deion Jones #45, Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8, and Safety Sebastian Castro #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Safety Sebastian Castro #24 and Defensive Back Josh Hayes #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive backs before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15, Tight End Payne Durham #87, Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6, Offensive Tackle Charlie Heck #77, and Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Buccaneers Legend Mike Alstott and Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Buccaneers Legend Mike Alstott and Seahawks Legend Shaun Alexander before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Guard Luke Haggard #72 and Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6, Running Back Rachaad White #1, and Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Haason Reddick #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 and Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Running Back Josh Williams #18 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Punter Riley Dixon #9, Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4 and Tight End Payne Durham #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4 and Punter Riley Dixon #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate the game-winning field goal during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 and Defensive Back Josh Hayes #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with fans after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 and Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Assistant General Manager Mike Greenberg, Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15, Linebacker John Bullock #57, Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6, Offensive Tackle Charlie Heck #77, Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78, Center Graham Barton #62 and Guard Ben Bredeson #68 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buccaneers Legend Mike Alstott before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Buccaneers Legend Mike Alstott, Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54, Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31, Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50, Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Buccaneers Legend Mike Alstott, Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54, Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31, Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50, Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 and Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Cornerback Jacob Parrish #25 and Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 and Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Center Graham Barton #62 and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 and Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 and Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6, Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 and Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54, Safety Tykee Smith #23, Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31, Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 and Defensive Lineman Logan Hall #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 and Outside Linebacker Haason Reddick #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicks the game winning field goal during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Assistant Secondary Coach Tim Atkins, Tight End Devin Culp #82, Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4 and Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - General Manager Jason Licht after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 and Outside Linebacker Haason Reddick #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Haason Reddick #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach Kevin Carberry of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4 and Tight End Payne Durham #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - General Manager Jason Licht, Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4, Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78, Guard Ben Bredeson #68 and Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
KEY MATCHUPS
1. 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey vs. Buccaneers S Tykee Smith
San Francisco's do-everything back turned in a vintage Christian McCaffrey performance in Week Five, playing 88% of the team's offensive snaps, racking up 139 yards from scrimmage, catching eight passes and scoring a touchdown. McCaffrey rarely comes off the field and this season has been more productive in the passing attack than the run game, unsurprisingly leading all NFL running backs with 387 receiving yards on 39 catches, which is also better than all but five wide receivers in the league. The 49ers don't just throw him screens and flare passes out of the backfield, but frequently line him up in the slot like a receiver, and he has two touchdown catches out of that alignment this year. After struggling through an injury-plagued 2024, McCaffrey is as elusive as ever in 2025, as evidenced by the 12 missed tackles he forced in last week's win over the Rams, his most in a single game since he joined the 49ers in a 2022 midseason trade. Second-year safety Tykee Smith is the Bucs' leading tackler through five games, with 39, and 21 of those have come on running plays. He is a rugged and willing tackler in run support but also leads the team with six passes defensed. After playing in the slot in his rookie season, Smith has taken quickly to his new role as a full-time starter at safety next to All-Pro Antoine Winfield Jr., giving the team two big-time playmakers at the back end of the defense. Smith, who also has a sack, two tackles for loss and a fumble recovery, should be heavily involved in the efforts to slow down McCaffrey.
2. Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka vs. 49ers CB Deommodore Lenoir
Emeka Egbuka, the 19th overall pick in this year's draft, is off to a red-hot start, the best ever through five games for a Bucs rookie receiver. After catching seven passes for 163 yards and his fifth touchdown of the season, Egbuka now stands fourth among all NFL players, not just rookies, with 445 receiving yards and tied for second in touchdown catches, while his 17.8 yards per reception is third best in the league. Egbuka is adept at getting open at all three levels of the defense and has repeatedly gotten behind opposing defenses with lightning-quick fakes and cuts. Like the Bucs, the 49ers tend to keep their two starting outside corners on specific sides of the field, and all of Lenoir's snaps have come on the left side of the defense. Egbuka's snaps on the outside have been pretty evenly split, so he should see plenty of one-on-one action against Lenoir, who recorded 169 tackles, five interceptions and nine passes defensed over the 2023-24 seasons. While Egbuka has obviously been adept at finding the end zone early in his NFL career, Lenoir has made a career of denying his opponents access to the painted grass. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Lenoir is the only defender in the NFL who has been targeted on 100-plus snaps without allowing a single touchdown since the start of the 2024 season. While the 49ers are still looking for their first interception as a team this season, Lenoir has recorded 21 tackles, three tackles for loss and a pass defensed.
3. 49ers T Colton McKivitz vs. Buccaneers OLB Haason Reddick
The Buccaneers did not record a sack in Week Five in Seattle, which helped Sam Darnold throw for 341 yards and four touchdowns, but they did have a pressure rate of 42.9% when not blitzing, their second best mark in a game this season. The Bucs will be eager to keep that pressure rate up against the 49ers, and maybe turn some of the pressures into sacks, and outside linebacker Haason Reddick could lead the way. In his first season with the Buccaneers, Reddick has just one sack through five games but his underlying numbers have been impressive. He already has 19 QB pressures, averaging nearly four per game, and his 16.0% pressure rate, if maintained, would be the third-highest of his career. He is also getting off the ball at an average of 0.76 seconds after the snap, which is the best mark of his career. The San Francisco offensive line is off to an extremely good start in 2025, allowing just seven sacks through five games and recording a 3.47% sacks allowed rate that is third best in the NFL. Colton McKivitz, in his third season as the starter at right tackle opposite 11-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams, has been a key member of that protection unit, playing 100% of the team's offensive snaps so far. Reddick tends to rush against the opposing team's right tackle more often, so this should be a game-long battle on Sunday afternoon.
4. Buccaneers RB Rachaad White vs. 49ers LB Fred Warner
Rachaad White stepped back into the lead role in the Buccaneers' backfield in Week Five and may do so again against the 49ers if Bucky Irving is not ready to return from foot and shoulder injuries. White's production had been a bit limited in the first month of the season because Irving was getting the lion's share of the reps, but he gave the Buccaneers exactly what they needed in Seattle with 71 yards from scrimmage, two touchdowns, frequent important blitz pick-ups and one brilliant 12-yard run on third-and-seven on the game-winning drive. As has been the case for most of his career, Fred Warner is on the short list for the best overall linebacker in the NFL and he has been a first-team Associated Press All-Pro selection in four of the last five seasons. Warner is widely considered the league's best coverage linebacker in the middle of the field, but this year he has also been elite against the run. Through the first four games of the season, the former third-round pick had already recorded eight "run stuffs," which are tackles that lead to runs of zero or negative yards. That was tied for the most in the NFL and were almost equal to the total he had in all of 2024, when he collected nine run stuffs.
