KC Chiefs vs. 49ers: Everything you need to know
By Matt Conner
When you’ve been waiting since the coldest months of the year for any sign of competitive football, we’re happy to take anything we can get, which means preseason football is just fine for us when it comes to the K.C. Chiefs.
It’s the preseason and the first game is officially (and finally) here: the team’s preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers. Remember that the NFL preseason is now only three weeks long after years of four preseason games apiece. The difference is now found in an extended regular season which will run 17 games this year—surely to be a trying season for all players involved.
As the Chiefs get the preseason underway, it will be interesting to see just how much Andy Reid is willing to play his starters in the face of potential injury. There’s a lot for a head coach to consider, especially in terms of player readiness vs. the risk involved. To that end, it will be interesting to see how many snaps Patrick Mahomes and company will take as part of the NFL’s most exciting offense.
Here’s everything you need to know about the K.C. Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers.
There are some key questions already emerging for the Chiefs even in the first preseason game. Fans will want to see, likely first and foremost, how the new offensive line looks after a long offseason of constant retooling. There’s not a single position with the same starter as last season, at this point, unless Mike Remmers is suddenly healthy after missing two weeks or so with back spams.
Another rookie class will also be on display, and fans should watch for how young guys look up front along the offensive line—names like Trey Smith and Creed Humphrey. However, it will be fun to watch Nick Bolton put on the pads and do what he does best: tackle. Noah Gray turned heads in practice as another target for Mahomes, but a game situation will give us a better idea of how he’s growing into a role.
At cornerback, it’s going to be essential to watch how young players like Deandre Baker and Mike Hughes begin to sort out the competition for the Chiefs in the secondary. Undrafted free agent Devon Key has also impressed in training camp, so watch for his presence out there as well at safety.
If you want some drama at quarterback, there’s always the competition between Shane Buechele and Anthony Gordon. The former is the newest face as a rookie free agent signing out of SMU, while the latter is a holdover who beat out Jordan Ta’amu and others for the chance to stick around.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR CHIEFS V. 49ERS:
Who: Kansas City Chiefs v. San Francisco 49ers
When: Saturday, August 14 @ 7:30 p.m. C.T.
Where: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
Weather: Clear, 81°
TV: KSHB
TV Announcers: Ari Wolff, Trent Green, Kay Adams, Matt McMullen
Stream: FUBO TV | Chiefs Mobile
Local Radio: 106.5 WDAF (FM) | Chiefs Radio Network
Radio Announcers: Mitch Holthus, Danan Hughes, Josh Klingler