49ers vs Bills Picks and Prediction – 12/2/2024

The San Francisco 49ers travel to face the Buffalo Bills in a pivotal Week 13 matchup. The 49ers, sitting at 5-6, are looking to rebound after a lopsided 38-10 loss to Green Bay, while the 9-2 Bills enter riding high off a 30-21 win against Kansas City. Crush the gridiron with our unbeatable NFL picks.

San Francisco boasts a top-tier offense, ranking fourth in total yards per game (384.5) and seventh in rushing yards (138.4). Quarterback Brock Purdy, questionable, has been instrumental with 261.3 passing yards per game and 13 touchdowns this season. The ground game relies on Jordan Mason, averaging 5.1 yards per carry with three touchdowns. George Kittle remains a key weapon in the passing game with 49 receptions and eight touchdowns. However, offensive production has stalled recently, as shown in consecutive losses to Seattle and Green Bay.

Defensively, the 49ers have strengths in limiting opponents’ yardage, ranking sixth in total yards allowed (304.27) and sixth in passing defense. With 28 sacks and 11 interceptions, the defense has playmaking ability. Injuries to critical players like Trent Williams and Jacob Cowing leave gaps that Buffalo will likely exploit. Facing an elite offense like Buffalo’s poses a significant challenge for a unit allowing 23.6 points per game, ranking 20th in the league.

Buffalo thrives offensively, ranking third in points scored per game (29.1). Quarterback Josh Allen has thrown for 231.2 yards per game with 18 touchdowns against five interceptions. James Cook powers the rushing attack with 10 touchdowns, complemented by Khalil Shakir, who leads the receiving corps with 56 catches and two touchdowns. A balanced offense scoring 30 or more in five straight games makes Buffalo a dangerous matchup.

Defensively, the Bills rank seventh in points allowed per game (19.5) and feature a secondary with 13 interceptions, fourth in the league. The pass rush has generated 27 sacks, led by a stout defensive line. With San Francisco possibly missing Purdy, the Bills’ ability to disrupt the backfield could be decisive. Despite slight weaknesses in rushing defense, Buffalo’s discipline and physicality give them a solid edge against the run-heavy 49ers.

Buffalo’s consistency on both sides of the ball, paired with San Francisco’s recent struggles and quarterback absence, gives the Bills the upper hand. Expect Allen and Cook to exploit gaps in the 49ers’ defense, while Buffalo’s secondary stifles San Francisco’s aerial attack. Final Score Prediction: Buffalo Bills win 31-17.