The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers square off on Friday night at Arrowhead Stadium in the preseason opener for both teams.
The 2017 NFL season is finally upon us. Yes, technically, it’s preseason football, but it’s meaningful football all the same. Real competition for real jobs will be on the line at Arrowhead Stadium on Friday night as the Kansas City Chiefs host the visiting San Francisco 49ers in the first preseason game for both franchises.
For the 49ers, it will be the first look at a brand new regime, a firsthand glimpse of the players John Lynch has brought in to run head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offensive schemes. The Niners have a long climb back to respectability, but it begins with key pieces in place, and San Fran fans have to hope to see some of those pieces in place on Friday. In particular, it will be interesting to see how highly touted defensive rookies Solomon Thomas and Reuben Foster respond to the Chiefs offense.
On the Chiefs side, the key is to stay healthy and watch for growth a bit further down the depth chart than the Niners. As the deeper team, the Chiefs won’t see many rookies in the game until the second half, specifically quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the third quarter. Kareem Hunt will be interesting to watch at running back, as will how the roster competition sorts out among tight ends given Travis Kelce’s absence.
Who: San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
When: Friday, August 11, 9:00 p.m. E.T. (8:00 p.m. local time)
Where: Arrowhead Stadium
Watch on TV: NFL Network, KCTV (local)
Watch Online: NFL Game Pass or fubo TV
Listen on Radio: Chiefs Radio Network