Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. San Francisco 49ers: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers are two teams that are surging right now, so it's very fitting that they both meet up in a matchup of two young up-and-coming teams this Sunday.

The Buccaneers got off to an extremely rough start, losing at home to the still undefeated Detroit Lions, but since then they have pulled out three big wins.

At 3-1, they sit atop the very tough NFC South, which means that this game is crucial for them, being that no lead is safe in that division.

The San Francisco 49ers are coming off a huge win themselves, as they went into Philadelphia last week and upset the Eagles.

They, as well, are 3-1 and on top of their division, the NFC West, and are hungry to prove that their quick start is anything but an aberration.

They have a new coach and a new attitude, and they are making huge strides every week.

This may end up being a playoff matchup in the NFC, so pay very close attention to this game.

Where: Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA

When: Sunday Oct. 9, 4:05 pm EST

Watch: Fox, DirecTV 712, NFL RedZone

Spread: San Francisco 49ers (-3)

This is going to be a close game with two evenly matched opponents. This is a good spread to take.

Over/Under: 42

This is a pretty average over/under, which makes it tricky. Both teams have good defenses, and I think that will be the prevailing theme of the game. I'd go under on this bet.

All Betting Information Courtesy of Bodog.com

Key Injuries:

Tampa Bay players who did not practice October 7: Linebacker Quincy Black (ankle), linebacker Zach Diles (hamstring), safety Devin Holland (back), tackle James Lee (knee), tight end Luke Stocker (knee), wide receiver Sammie Stoughter (foot), cornerback Aqib Talib (knee).

San Francisco who did not practice October 7: Cornerback Tramaine Brock will not play (hand), wide receiver Braylon Edwards will not play (knee), running back Moran Norris will not play (fibula), defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga (infection), cornerback Shawntae Spencer (toe).

Fantasy Big Plays:

Frank Gore, 49ers RB: Gore has been dealing with injury as usual, but he's starting to regain some of that form that makes him such a dangerous fantasy option.

Josh Freeman, Buccaneers QB: You may want to consider sitting Freeman this week. The 49ers defense got after Michael Vick, so it would be smart to expect similar results.

Keys to Buccaneers Win:

The Buccaneers need to control the line of scrimmage on defense. Don't let Frank Gore and the running game get going and put all the pressure on Alex Smith to come up clutch.

Keys to 49ers Win:

It's simple, put a ton of pressure on Freeman and see what happens. We've seen him break down in the past, and with the way they put a hurting on the Eagles last week, we know it's possible for this team to do the same to Freeman and the Bucs.

Prediction:

Home field advantage, a better defense and a better coach gets you a win in my book.

San Francisco 20, Tampa Bay 14