The Kansas City Chiefs return to action after their bye week, taking on a familiar opponent in the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, October 20, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The game will kick off at 4:25 p.m. EDT, marking the first meeting between the two teams since their clash in Super Bowl 54.
While this is just a regular-season contest, the stakes feel much higher, given the history between these franchises. The 49ers are currently 3-3 and looking to regain momentum, while the undefeated Chiefs (5-0) aim to continue their dominance. Despite off-season moves and in-season injuries reshuffling both teams’ rosters, many of the same players remain on both sides.
This game presents an opportunity for both teams to gauge where they stand among the NFL’s elite. While it’s not a do-or-die scenario, the outcome could heavily influence the season’s trajectory, particularly for San Francisco, which would face a tougher road ahead if they fall to 3-4.
Game/Team Matchup Info
Both teams come into this game with contrasting forms. The Chiefs have been a model of consistency, maintaining their position atop the AFC standings, largely due to a strong defense. Kansas City is currently ranked in the top 10 for both points allowed and total yards given up per game, making them one of the most difficult teams to score against. According to ESPN, for the first time this season, the Chiefs are slight underdogs at 0.5 points, with the over/under set at 46.5 points.
On offense, Kansas City has struggled by its own lofty standards. Patrick Mahomes is averaging 247 passing yards per game, with a solid completion percentage (69.4%). However, his touchdown-to-interception ratio (6:6) leaves room for improvement. The Chiefs’ offense has also been hit by injuries, with wide receivers Rashee Rice and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown out for the season.
San Francisco, despite their 3-3 record, has shown moments of dominance. They’ve fielded one of the most balanced offenses in the league, ranking second in both total yards and points scored. However, they will be without star running back Christian McCaffrey, placing more pressure on backup Jordan Mason and quarterback Brock Purdy to generate offense.
Chiefs Need a Strong Defensive Showing
Given the Chiefs’ offensive struggles this season, they’ll likely need to rely heavily on their defense. The Chiefs’ ability to slow down the 49ers’ rushing attack and disrupt Purdy will be key. San Francisco’s offensive line has allowed pressure at one of the highest rates in the league, and Kansas City’s defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo, has orchestrated one of the top pass-rushing units in the NFL. The Chiefs are tied for first in pressure rate, making it tough for opposing quarterbacks to establish a rhythm.
Mahomes will also need to protect the football. Despite his immense talent, turnovers have been an issue for Kansas City’s offense at times. If the Chiefs can minimize mistakes and let their defense dictate the tempo, they’ll be in a strong position to win.
Kansas City’s run defense will also play a crucial role. Without McCaffrey, the 49ers will rely more on Mason, but the Chiefs have been stout against the run, ranking in the top 10 in rushing yards allowed. Stopping the run early and forcing San Francisco into passing situations will be critical.
49ers Must Rely on Offensive Balance
For the 49ers, a balanced offensive attack is essential to overcoming the defending champs. Purdy has shown poise and playmaking ability but thrives when the 49ers establish the run. Without McCaffrey, Mason and the running back committee must step up. Head coach Kyle Shanahan is known for creative run schemes, and San Francisco will need to keep Kansas City’s defense off balance.
The 49ers’ passing game is also potent, with Purdy developing strong chemistry with wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. San Francisco ranks seventh in explosive plays and will look to stretch the field against a Chiefs secondary that has been solid but not impenetrable. Purdy’s ability to extend plays under pressure will be tested, as the Chiefs’ pass rush is relentless.
In the red zone, the 49ers must capitalize on every opportunity. Kansas City’s defense has excelled at limiting touchdowns inside the 20-yard line, so every trip into scoring territory must count for San Francisco.
Players to Watch for the Kansas City Chiefs
Travis Kelce, despite a slow start to the season, is beginning to hit his stride for Kansas City. While he has recorded just 228 yards and no touchdowns so far, Kelce has 24 receptions and is second in receiving yards for the team. With wide receivers Rashee Rice and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown out, Kelce will likely be Mahomes’ go-to target once again. As the focal point of the offense, expect him to be heavily involved in the passing game.
On defense, Nick Bolton is the player to watch. The linebacker leads the team with 38 tackles and six tackles for loss. He’s also recorded two pass breakups. In Kansas City’s last three games alone, Bolton has been a force, totaling 24 tackles and five TFLs. He’ll be vital in stopping the 49ers’ rushing attack, making him one of the driving forces for the Chiefs’ defense.
Players to Watch for the San Francisco 49ers
With Christian McCaffrey sidelined due to bilateral Achilles tendinitis, Jordan Mason has stepped up as the 49ers’ lead back. Mason has rushed for 609 yards this season, averaging 101.5 yards per game and scoring three touchdowns. Over the last three games, he’s posted 285 yards on the ground, solidifying his role as one of the best offensive players on their team and in the league. Mason enters this matchup ranked second in the NFL in rushing yards, trailing only Derrick Henry by 95 yards.
Defensively, Fred Warner is the player to watch. The All-Pro linebacker will likely be tasked with covering Kelce, a matchup that has challenged him in the past. However, Warner’s performance so far this season shows he is up for the task, with 50 tackles, two TFLs, one sack, and two interceptions. Warner has also contributed significantly in the last three games, with 30 tackles, a TFL, and an interception. His ability to contain the Chiefs’ offensive weapons, particularly Kelce, will be crucial to the 49ers’ success.
Final Thoughts
This game between the Chiefs and the 49ers has the makings of a classic, with two teams capable of making deep playoff runs. For Kansas City, maintaining their undefeated record will depend on their defense’s ability to disrupt Brock Purdy and force turnovers. The offense must also minimize mistakes and rely on Mahomes and Kelce’s playmaking abilities.
For San Francisco, the challenge will be to find balance on offense without Christian McCaffrey and generate enough pressure on Mahomes to disrupt his rhythm. If the 49ers can execute their game plan effectively, they’ll have a chance to hand Kansas City their first loss of the season.
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