49ers turn to Mac Jones, Caleb Williams remains under fire
USA TODAY Sports’ Joe Rivera and Chris Bumbaca break down some of the most notable overreactions from Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season.
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Here’s a closer look at the New York Jets vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 3 game on Sunday:
Jets (0-2) at Buccaneers (2-0)
When: Sunday, 1 p.m.
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
TV: FOX
Spread (BetMGM): Buccaneers by seven
Stream Jets vs Buccaneers on Fubo (free trial)
Jets vs. Buccaneers scouting report
Buccaneers’ keys to victory: Get RB Bucky Irving going early and often. The Buccaneers’ top running back got off to a slow start in Week 1 after he totaled just 36 yards on the ground and averaged 2.6 yards per carry (YPC). The former fourth-round pick rallied in Week 2, as he finished with 71 yards on 17 attempts while Tampa Bay’s rushing attack dominated, averaging 5.6 YPC with 169 rushing yards and the go-ahead, game-winning touchdown by RB Rachaad White with six seconds remaining in regulation against a good Texans defense in Week 2.
If Irving is able to have a few breakaway runs early in the first or second quarter, the 23-year-old running back and this offense should be set for a big game against a Jets defense that was gashed by the Bills, who ran for a whopping 224 yards on the ground, including 132 yards and two scores from RB James Cook.
Jets’ keys to victory: Get on the board first. The Jets offense was lifeless in Week 2 against the Bills. Their lone, meaningless touchdown came when they were down 30-3 late in the fourth quarter. Given starting QB Justin Fields’ status is unknown after he suffered a concussion on Sunday, it’d be paramount if it’s either Fields or backup QB Tyrod Taylor starting to score more than three points on their first few possessions.
Jets vs Buccaneers matchup to watch
Buccaneers OL vs. Jets DL. While the Bucs will be without starting right tackle Luke Goedeke who re-aggravated a foot injury last week, they could get a huge boost back to their offensive line if starting left tackle Tristan Wirfs makes his 2025 debut after practicing late last week but not suiting up in Week 2. The Jets defense needs to step up and show that they have some fight in them after two brutal opening acts to start the season. Keep an eye on the trenches in this one.
Jets vs. Buccaneers prediction
Jets’ QB Justin Fields has officially been ruled out of this one as he continues to recover from a concussion he suffered late in Week 2, making veteran QB Tyrod Taylor the new starter. Even with a competent back up in Taylor under center, this is not an ideal matchup against a tough Tampa Bay defensive line led by Vita Vea in the middle and an offense that features QB Baker Mayfield, WRs Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka and RB Bucky Irving in the backfield. Gang Green will fall to 0-3 and will remain in search of their first win. Buccaneers 24, Jets 13