49ers vs. Buccaneers: 5 matchups to watch in Week 12

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 23: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers breaks a tackle from Aaron Lynch #59 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 27: (L-R) Solomon Thomas of Stanford poses with Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell after being picked #3 overall by the San Francisco 49ers (from Bears) during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Solomon Thomas vs. Buccaneers offensive line

This was supposed to be the year that defensive lineman Solomon Thomas turned a corner and lived up to his high draft position. Things have not gone as planned for him.

Sunday he will go against a Buccaneer offensive line that gives him an opportunity to excel. Twenty-seventh in rushing yards per game and giving up almost three sacks per contest, Tampa’s O-line is an average one.

Playing time may be the biggest obstacle for Thomas to overcome. Playing only about 50 percent of the San Francisco 49ers defensive snaps, Thomas has to make the most of his time on the field.

Keep an eye on Thomas. He needs to start making an impact and quickly.