Chase McLaughlin Shines for Buccaneers: Clutch Kicks Power Tampa Bay into 49ers Showdown

When it comes to clutch performance, Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin is quickly proving he’s one of the NFL’s most reliable legs in 2025. Last week, McLaughlin etched his name into Bucs lore, nailing a 39-yard field goal as time expired to lift Tampa Bay to a thrilling 38-35 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The walk-off kick capped a dramatic finish and solidified McLaughlin’s value on a team with championship ambitions.

McLaughlin has started the 2025 season on a strong note. Through five games, he has converted 12 of 15 field goals and is a perfect 17-for-17 on extra points, making him one of the most accurate kickers in the league. His consistency has paid dividends, especially in close contests where every point counts for the 4-1 Buccaneers.

This Sunday, Tampa Bay returns to Raymond James Stadium to host the formidable San Francisco 49ers at 4:25 PM ET. The Bucs enter as 3-point favorites in a game that could go down to the wire, making McLaughlin’s right foot potentially decisive. Tampa Bay’s offense has thrived in crunch time, but should the unit stall in the red zone, McLaughlin’s reliability could spell the difference between a vital home win or a setback.

Weather conditions shouldn’t pose any challenge for kickers this weekend. The forecast at Raymond James Stadium calls for sunny skies, a warm 81.8°F, only a 2% chance of rain, and manageable winds of 8.7 mph—none of which are expected to significantly impact the game or McLaughlin’s kicking accuracy.

As the Bucs look to build momentum and retain their edge atop the NFC, all eyes—and plenty of trust—will be on McLaughlin whenever Tampa Bay needs points.