49ers schedule: Predicting wins and losses over second half of 2018

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TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 15: Center Jonathan Goodwin #59 and the offensive line of the San Francisco 49ers set for play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers December 15, 2013 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) /

Week 12 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers may not be quite as hot a mess as the Giants. But they sure have dealt with their own share of headaches.

First of all, head coach Dirk Koetter’s defense is terrible. No team has given up more points than Tampa Bay this season (275). And if you thought San Francisco’s turnover woes were bad, the Bucs have only nabbed one interception on the year. And their six defensive takeaways rank 30th in the NFL.

The Buccaneers are also allowing a full 8.0 yards per play, which is third worst in the league. And we haven’t even mentioned the problems under center yet, namely with embattled quarterback Jameis Winston.

It wouldn’t be a shock if Tampa Bay rolls with Winston’s backup, Ryan Fitzpatrick, for the rest of 2018. Fitzpatrick is a major reason why the Bucs own the No. 1 pass offense in the NFL.

But it’s not necessarily a game winner. Tampa Bay is just 3-5, after all.

Why the 49ers Win

Sure, it’s an East Coast road trip. But the 49ers will be coming off their bye, so they should be both rested and prepared. San Francisco will have to worry about Fitzpatrick and that high-flying pass offense. But while it’s prolific, it’s also turnover prone. Tampa Bay has turned the ball over 21 times this season — most in the league, and Fitzpatrick has been responsible for 10 lost balls (seven interceptions and three fumbles).

Granted, the Niners haven’t been good at takeaways this season. But if they win the turnover differential, they win the game.

Why the 49ers Lose

Even if Fitzpatrick and Co. protect the ball, San Francisco can still come up with their first road win of 2018 here.

One would figure cornerback Richard Sherman would line up opposite Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans, meaning fellow corner Ahkello Witherspoon gets assigned Tampa Bay No. 2 wideout DeSean Jackson.

If Witherspoon has a bad day, which is entirely possible, Jackson winds up being an X-factor and could change the game in favor of the Buccaneers.

Unless Fitzpatrick forces some things, though, which is a real possibility.

Prediction: 49ers 35, Buccaneers 28