NFL Odds – Smith Aims To Lead 49ers To Third Straight Win Sunday

Football betting odds makers know that after their worst start in 31 years, the San Francisco 49ers have found their savior for the time being. Quarterback Troy Smith has led the team to consecutive victories over the Denver Broncos and St. Louis Rams in his first two starts in cherry red, throwing for 552 yards without turning the ball over once.

Smith will need to be at his best once again this Sunday, when the 49ers welcome the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Candlestick Park. 

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ San Francisco 49ers

Sunday November 21, 2010 – 4:05 PM ET

Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Broadcast: FOX

NFL Odds: Buccaneers +3.5, 49ers -3.5

Total: 41.5 

The Buccaneers have surprised this season, winning three of four games on the road to start the year 6-3 overall. It hasn’t been pretty for Tampa Bay, which has kept pace with the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons for the division lead despite owning one of the worst rush defenses and an offense that ranks in the middle of the pack. However, the Buccaneers have found ways to win, and will continue to do so Sunday. 

NFL Odds: What The Buccaneers Will Have To Do To Win? 

Tampa Bay has surpassed the 30-point mark in each of its last two wins, including a 31-16 victory over the Carolina Panthers last week. The league’s youngest team will rely on quarterback Josh Freeman for another solid performance after he pitched a couple of touchdown passes in last week’s win, while the Buccaneers’ continue to hand the ball to rookie running back LeGarrette Blount. Tampa Bay will need to account for Smith and his ability to move the ball with both his arm and legs, especially on extended plays where he has the speed to scramble for big yardage. The Buccaneers are tied for second in the league with 14 interceptions. 

NFL Odds: What The 49ers Will Have To Do To Win? 

Smith has played an integral role in the 49ers’ success the past two weeks, sparking a three-touchdown fourth quarter against the Broncos before hitting wide receiver Michael Crabtree for the go-ahead score in last weekend’s win over the Rams. He’ll be tested against a solid Tampa Bay secondary that is ranked eighth in the league and has done an excellent job of forcing turnovers this season. Running back Frank Gore will see his share of touches as the Buccaneers rank among the worst rush defenses in the league. The 49ers’ defense will need to find ways to get after Freeman and force him to make plays under pressure. 

NFL Odds: Outlook & Pick 

The 49ers have won 11 of 12 at home against the Buccaneers in franchise history, and can move within one game of the NFC West division lead with another Sunday. The Buccaneers have been major overachievers so far this year, but will come back down to earth over the next couple of weeks. 

NFL Odds Pick: 49ers -3.5

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