After losing Jimmy Garoppolo to a foot injury, possibly for the rest of the season, the 8-4 San Francisco 49ers will host Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
This will be a big game for both teams, as both the 49ers and Bucs are trying to hold onto first place in their respective divisions.
However, that is where the similarities end, as San Francisco still feels it has a shot at the Super Bowl, while Tampa Bay is simply trying to make sure it will make the playoffs.
Here are two bold predictions we feel will hold true for Sunday’s contest.
1. Tom Brady Will Look At Least Somewhat Like Tom Brady
For much of this season, it has appeared that the 45-year-old Brady has become human, as he hasn’t made the same volume of big plays that pierce the hearts of opponents as he has in even the recent past.
But on Monday Night Football, he reached back for another clutch moment by leading the Bucs back from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to a one-point win over the New Orleans Saints.
Brady is a Bay Area native who grew up rooting for the 49ers, and that may give him the boost he needs to look like a somewhat younger version of himself.
2. The 49ers Will Win
The greatest thing the Niners have going for them is their defense, which is the best in the NFL.
Since their loss to the Chiefs, the 49ers have fielded the…
#4 offense
#1 defense
#5 special teamsby DVOA. #1 overall by a massive margin
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) December 7, 2022
Meanwhile, Tampa Bay ranks near the bottom of the league in some key offensive categories, including points and rushing yards.
Interim San Francisco starting QB Brock Purdy may not have to have a great game to get his team a win, as its defense is likely to give him lots of support, not to mention a margin of error.
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