Talk about a flair for the dramatic! The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams 26-23 last Thursday in a tense and thrilling NFC West battle, improving to 4-1 on the season. The 49ers took control in the first half, jumping out to a 10-point lead by running back Christian McCaffrey (30 touches) and wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (10 receptions). While noble and productive, those efforts pale in comparison to quarterback Mac Jones, who competed like a warrior through his efficiency and toughness, posting 342 passing yards and two touchdowns.
The Rams persevered in the second half, rallying from a late deficit and taking the lead late. Undoubtedly, the play of the game was made by rookie defensive lineman Alfred Collins, punching and recovering the ball loose from Rams running back Kyren Williams, inside the five with a minute to go in regulation. The Rams tied the game with a field goal late in regulation.
In overtime, Kyren Williams was stuffed on a 4th-and-1, shortly after kicker Eddy Piñeiro hit a 41-yard field goal (fourth of the game), essentially clinching the win. A gritty and, to quote Kyle Shanahan, character-building win.
Up next, a road date with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Similar to the 49ers, Tampa has endured a barrage of injuries, from down starters in the secondary and offensive line. However, their offensive standouts, Bucky Irving (shoulder), Mike Evans (hamstring), and Chris Godwin Jr. (fibula), are also out this week.
The 49ers continue to be without the services of their offensive weapons (Brock Purdy, George Kittle, Ricky Pearsall). Tampa Bay is led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, who plays with a chip on his shoulder and surly attitude, while also impressively sporting a 10-to-1 touchdown to interception ratio. Football voices around the league have suggested Mayfield as a legitimate MVP candidate in the early season. Considering both squads have been involved exclusively in one-possession contests all season, expect a similar game that will likely come down to the wire between two teams looking for NFC supremacy.
Kyle Juszczyk
Christian McCaffrey will continue to be the focal point of the offense, and Brian Robinson Jr. has had limited carries all season. The run game hasn't necessarily produced scintillating results (ranked tied for 28th in rushing yards per game). Still, it's bound to have a productive game eventually, despite not scoring any rushing touchdowns this season.
Kyle Juszczyk can sneak in the flat for occasional receptions, get a rare goal-line carry, or be the blocking catalyst leading McCaffrey to big runs. The prospects of Juice are not recorded in stats, but his field presence this week and on is invaluable for any role he's asked to fulfill.
Jauan Jennings
Mac Jones was slinging it with regularity last week at L.A. While Christian McCaffrey continued to pile up his screen and flat receptions, Kendrick Bourne was certainly the benefactor on the receiver front, totaling 10 catches for 142 yards.
Ricky Pearsall is down again this week (knee), but Jauan Jennings is slated to return. Jennings provides a blocking and catching threat with his physicality, as well as being clutch on third downs. Look for some slants early to get Jennings involved and comfortable in the game after a one-game absence, against a banged-up Tampa Bay secondary.
Jake Brendel
According to league analytics on centers, Jake Brendel has performed well in run and overall blocking, but struggles in pass protection, resulting in seven QB pressures. Considering Mac Jones's limited mobility, the task this week takes on even more importance against veteran behemoth nose tackle Vita Vea.
The veteran owns 32.5 career sacks and a quick first step towards the passer, despite his 347-pound frame, and is also a very effective run stuffer in the interior. Brendel has his work cut out for him, but as long as a big hit doesn't compromise Mac Jones, and he is not guilty of any drive-altering penalties, the 49ers can live with that.
Eddy Piñeiro
Ever since "Eddie Money" walked into the building, the kicking game has been a revelation. Since his first missed PAT attempt in New Orleans, Piñeiro has made 19 consecutive kicks, including a booming 59-yarder last week in the 4th quarter at L.A. His perfect night against the Rams culminated in being named the recipient of the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award for the fourth time in his career.
With both the 49ers and Bucs known to play close games, another late field goal attempt to give a lead or potential game-winner opportunity could be in the cards again this week for Piñeiro. So far in his brief 49ers tenure, Piñeiro is not afraid of the moment.
Malik Mustapha
After missing the early part of 2025 with a knee injury, Malik Mustapha is ready to return to the lineup this week. In his limited experience, Mustapha has shown himself to be athletic, versatile, and excellent against the run. Last year, he misread a set coverage, and his diminutive size at 5'10" can be a disadvantage against taller receivers and tight ends.
Given the injuries to Tampa Bay's top two receivers, Mustapha could be delivering hits to Cade Otton, Emeka Egbuka, and Tez Johnson this week. Mustapha has demonstrated supreme ball skills in college, closing gaps on ball carriers with impressive speed. And since the 49ers' interception drought continues, it could be Mustapha coming up with a key pass defensed or big hit to either shift momentum or create a turnover. The youthful energy will be on display this week.