Dr. Z's Forecast

At times on Sunday the 49ers ' defense stiffened against the Giants, but most of the time it was just stiff. Put it against a high-powered attack and you'd figure the Niners would have to score 40 to win, but now they're facing the NFL 's 24th-ranked offense, led by a quarterback ( Brad Johnson ) who hasn't played since Dec. 15. That's not what's on the minds of some of the Niners, though. Players with long memories might recall the last meeting with Tampa Bay , in 1997, a game that marked the coming of age of the Bucs ' defense. Tampa Bay knocked Steve Young out of the game with a concussion and sidelined Jerry Rice for most of the year with a torn knee ligament, and the Bucs won 13-6. For the last three games, though, ever since Tampa Bay clinched a playoff spot, the defense has been on cruise control.

It'll be stoked on Sunday. The condition of 49ers left tackle Derrick Deese , who went out of the game against the Giants with a sprained left ankle, will be critical. He matches up well against Simeon Rice , the NFC sack leader this season. The Bucs haven't had an emotional game in quite a while. They will this time.

The Pick: Bucs 20, Niners 17