The San Francisco 49ers are a bad football team, so it is no surprise they have been underdogs in each of their first six games. The 49ers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week, and opened the week as 2.5-point underdogs. However, the line has seen a bit of change this week, and some sportsbooks are now offering the 49ers as one-point favorites.
Several sportsbooks still have the 49ers as an underdog, but it is interesting to see how the line has changed given how bad the 49ers have played recently. Of course, that also says something about the Bucs. The Bucs have two wins this season, and both happen to be on the road. They went into Atlanta in Week 1 and got the upset, which is looking even more impressive as the season moves along. In Week 5, prior to their bye, the Bucs went into Charlotte and beat the Carolina Panthers. Of course, that win looks less valuable considering the Panthers own struggles.
The Bucs are a talented team, but they have been incredibly inconsistent. Jameis Winston has dealt with a bit of a sophomore slump. His completion percentage is about the same, and he is on pace for more yards and touchdowns than last season. However, his interception title is climbing. He threw 15 interceptions as a rookie, and is on pace for 25 this season. In Weeks 1, 3, and 5, he threw eight touchdowns and two interceptions. In Weeks 2 and 4, he threw one touchdown and six interceptions. It’s been a rough year, to say the least.
The 49ers have four interceptions on the season, and three of them have come from linebackers. NaVorro Bowman, Nick Bellore, and Ray-Ray Armstrong each have an interception, with safety Antoine Bethea getting the other one. If Winston’s inconsistency continues, this could be the week the 49ers cornerbacks get in on the interception action a little bit more. And maybe bettors think that might happen this weekend.