Golden Nuggets: Here come the Buccaneers

Good morning, ladies and gents. Today, the San Francisco 49ers will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. San Francisco is fighting for a playoff spot, and the outside chance of winning the NFC West. I still don't expect that to happen, but all the 49ers can do at this point is play -- and beat -- the team in front of them.

The Buccaneers are better than their record would indicate, and they can beat any team on any day. They probably won't, but they can. Certain aspects of that defense can probably frustrate Colin Kaepernick and San Francisco's offense, but I expect the 49ers' defense to hold strong in this one. I'd be shocked if they lost, but I'm wrong pretty often.

It's kind of my thing. Anyway, onto the links for the day -- of which there are few, as is commonplace on gamedays. Enjoy.

49ers injuries: Iupati, Manningham questionable for Bucs game (Barrows)

Standing tall: Size-challenged Ventrone having big season for 49ers (Branch)

McCoy chimes in on Harbaugh, Texas coaching drama (Maiocco)

The 2013 San Francisco 49ers MVP (BA Sports Guy)

Anquan Boldin has been third-down star (Williamson)

Justin Smith reminds teammates: Don't let up now (SFGate)

Practice notes: Gore heading to native Florida to play in front of his three sons (Inman)

Top 10 Spotlight: 49ers vs. Buccaneers (49ers)