After the bye week, the Kansas City Chiefs will head to San Francisco for their biggest game of the season. Both teams are coming off considerable time off and will compete in a rematch of last season's Super Bowl.
Before the bye, the Chiefs had their most convincing win yet in a win over the New Orleans Saints. The offense and defense have not been on the same page yet, but the victory over the Saints proved they could move in harmony. The 49ers are coming off of a mini-bye week and a win over the Seattle Seahawks.
The Chiefs are 9-7 against the 49ers all time and have scored 374 points. In this contest, the Chiefs need to keep the ball moving and keep up their momentum from the last game. The Chiefs have been good against the 49ers in the playoffs, but they need to ensure that they can win in the regular season, too.
Game Info
Date: Sunday, October 20
Start Time: 3:25 p.m. CT
Location: Santa Clara, CA
Stadium: Levi's Stadium
TV Info: FOX (Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady on the call)
Chiefs Uniform Info: Red Tops, White Bottoms
49ers 2024 Statistical Rankings
Points Per Game: 27 (8th)
Points Allowed Per Game: 21.7 (12th)
Offensive Yards Per Game: 420 (2nd)
Passing/Rushing Yards Per Game: 262 (2nd) and 158 (3rd)
Defensive Yards Allowed Per Game: 316.2 (11th)
Passing/Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: 215.2 (17th) and 101 (7th)
Third Down Offensive/Defensive Conversion Rate: 45.71% (6th) and 43.42% (23rd)
Red Zone Offensive/Defensive Conversion Rate: 44.44% (25th) and 55.56% (19th)
Penalties: 30 (29th)
Penalty Yards: 279 (21st)
Players Already Ruled Out Before Sunday
49ers: Jauan Jennings (WR), Jake Moody (K), Matthew Wright (K)
Chiefs: Michael Danna (DE)
San Francisco 49ers
Defense
After years with one of the best defenses in the league, the 49ers are going through a rough patch in the first weeks of this season. While there are quite a few injuries on both sides of the ball, it's surprising that they have given up as many points as they have.
With a flawed offense in the Chiefs, the 49ers must take advantage of every opportunity to take control of the game. However, the 49ers usually find control at this part of the season, so I wouldn't be surprised if the defense comes out swinging this week.
The defense must focus on interceptions against the Chiefs offense in this game. Patrick Mahomes has been giving up interceptions at a rapid rate so far and is due to give up another in this game. If the 49ers want a chance to beat the Chiefs, the defense will also need to put up a fight.
Offense
Even with so many injuries on the offensive side of the ball, the 49ers have been successful. The blow to Christian McCaffrey might have left many thinking the offense would be slow, but Jordan Mason has been the perfect replacement.
George Kittle has had a huge year for the 49ers, and the Chiefs have struggled against tight ends. This can be a very good matchup and can be an indicator of the game. The offense needs to start off fast and capitalize on the fact that the Chiefs like to give up points during the first drive.
In this game, the offense needs to focus on the passing game. The Chiefs have one of the best-run defenses in the league. Without McCaffrey, the 49ers don't have the best chance of success against their defense. By focusing on their weapons at wide receiver and tight end, the 49ers can score as many points as possible against the Chiefs.
Kansas City Chiefs
Defense
The Chiefs' defense has been exceptional during the first few weeks of the season. In the game against the Saints, the defense only allowed 13 points and went through two quarters without allowing any points.
The Chiefs' defense has been great in close games this year. They finally snapped the streak of allowing points on the opening drive, and at this point, they may be unstoppable.
The defense cannot play down to the 49ers in this game because of their injuries. Even though the offense has sustained a few injuries over the first few weeks of the season, the Chiefs still need to take them seriously.
Offense
With the win over the Saints, the Chiefs finally established that their offense has the capability of succeeding like it used to. The first few games were daunting for the Chiefs, and it looked like another lackluster season. Especially with all of the injuries, new members stepping up has been a key to the team's success.
Against the Saints, Juju Smith-Schuster and Kareem Hunt were two of the biggest weapons on offense. With Smith-Schuster questionable to play in this game, Hunt and the running game must be top-tier. Xavier Worthy has also been an excellent option as a rookie receiver.
In this game, the Chiefs need to keep the momentum going and secure another convincing win. Although the 49ers' defense is not what it used to be, it is still one of the most formidable defenses the Chiefs have faced so far this year. The Chiefs need to remember that the 49ers are a team they can beat when it matters most, so this week should be no different.
Betting Info
Points Spread: SF -2 (-105) | KC +2 (-115)
Moneyline: SF -125 | KC +105
Over/Under: SF U47 (-110) | KC O 47 (-110)
Lines via DraftKings as of Saturday, October 19
Prediction
Even though the 49ers are 3-3, their team is much better than that. The Chiefs have found a way to win every game so far this season, but this game might be their first test. While I think the score will be close, this seems like the team that will hand the Chiefs their first loss of the season.
Final Score: 49ers 27, Chiefs 24
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