The San Francisco 49ers have managed to keep pace atop the NFC West despite key injuries to their starting quarterback and top two wide receivers. Enter Mac Jones, who has resurrected his career under Kyle Shanahan’s system, efficiently guiding the offense with poise and confidence.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are sitting comfortably at 4–1, leading the NFC South behind the red-hot arm of Baker Mayfield and a defense that continues to deliver timely turnovers. With plenty of fantasy implications and star power on both sides, this matchup could be one of the most entertaining games of the season.
🔥 Fantasy Start Meter
| Player | Team | Matchup | Start Confidence |
| Baker Mayfield | TB | vs SF | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rashad White | TB | vs SF | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Emeka Egbuka | TB | vs SF | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Mac Jones | SF | vs TB | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Christian McCaffrey | SF | vs TB | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Jake Tonges | SF | vs TB | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Kendrick Bourne | SF | vs TB | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sterling Shepard (Sleeper) | SF | vs TB | ⭐ |
Starts 🔥
Baker Mayfield – QB, Buccaneers
Mayfield is coming off a monster 379-yard, 2-touchdown performance. He’s found a rhythm in this new-look Bucs offense and is distributing the ball confidently. The 49ers’ secondary has been vulnerable with key injuries, giving Mayfield another shot at a multi-touchdown day. He’s a strong QB1 play this week.
Rachaad White – RB, Buccaneers
White dominated last week, tallying 2 rushing TDs and adding 4 receptions through the air. His usage in both phases of the offense makes him nearly matchup-proof, even against San Francisco’s front seven. Expect another RB1-level outing.
Emeka Egbuka – WR, Buccaneers
Egbuka’s breakout was loud: 7 receptions, 163 yards, and a TD on just 7 targets. He’s quickly emerging as Mayfield’s go-to weapon, and with defenses keying in on Evans and Godwin, he’ll continue to thrive. Lock him in as a high-upside WR2.
Mac Jones – QB, 49ers
Jones has thrown for 900 yards and 6 touchdowns with just one interception since stepping into the role. Shanahan’s offense is built for efficiency, and Jones has delivered. Even with Purdy’s return looming, Jones is a must-start this week against a Bucs defense that’s struggled to contain short-to-intermediate passing.
Christian McCaffrey – RB, 49ers 💪
CMC continues to be a fantasy cheat code. His dual-threat ability keeps him in RB1 territory every week. Even if the Bucs stack the box, his receiving work out of the backfield ensures production. He’s an automatic start.
Jake Tonges – TE, 49ers
Tonges saw a massive 11 targets, catching 7 for a touchdown last week. Shanahan loves utilizing tight ends in mismatches, and Tonges is quickly earning trust. He’s more than a streaming option now—he’s a legitimate TE1 candidate moving forward.
How the 49ers will use Jake Tonges when George Kittle returns – Henry Chess SI.com
Kendrick Bourne – WR, 49ers 💪
With Deebo and Aiyuk banged up, Bourne has stepped up as the reliable chain-mover. He’s developing chemistry with Jones and is seeing consistent red-zone work. A solid flex or WR3 starts with upside.
Sleeper 💪
Sterling Shepard – WR, 49ers
Shepard found the end zone last week and continues to earn red-zone snaps. As the Niners shuffle receivers due to injuries, Shepard could carve out a niche role as a reliable third option for Mac Jones. He’s a sneaky DFS play and a deeper-league flex stash.
Wrap-Up
This matchup has all the makings of a shootout between two of the NFC’s most balanced teams. Expect plenty of fantasy fireworks, efficient quarterback play, and big numbers from the skill positions.
Prediction: 49ers 31, Buccaneers 27
Fantasy MVP: Baker Mayfield – continues his comeback story with another 300+ yard game.
