For San Francisco, this is a revenge game. For the Chiefs, it’s just another week. And let’s face it, an overwhelming majority of Chiefs’ games are revenge games for Chiefs’ opponents.
The Kansas City Chiefs head to the West Coast this weekend to meet up with the San Francisco 49ers. The Chiefs are coming off a huge week of preparation that led up to a tough loss at home at the hands of the Buffalo Bills, and while there is no shame in losing a close match to the Bills, the Chiefs have to move on and get back up for this game.
The 49ers have not faced the Chiefs since Super Bowl LIV, and there are still plenty of 49ers players in leadership positions who were on the field in Miami during that crushing loss.
Most of the team has turned over, but head coach Kyle Shanahan, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, and several other key players from that team still remain. Like every other Chiefs opponent, the Niners have had this game circled on their calendars for a while.
The Niners (3-3) currently rank 1st in the NFL in fewest yards allowed on defense. They sport double-digit wins over the Seahawks, Rams, and Panthers. The problem is, their losses are at the hands of the Bears, Broncos, and Falcons. And they are staggering into Week 7.
The 49ers injury report was the major story of the week, with marquee names like Trent Williams, Nick Bosa, and Arik Armstead all up in the air. As the week progressed, the 49ers got good news on many of those players.
The latest on #49ers injuries for Sunday’s tilt vs the #Chiefs:
— Scott Loring (@ChiefsChannel) October 22, 2022
Trent Williams IN
Nick Bosa IN
Jimmie Ward IN
Mike McGlinchey IN
=====
Charvarius Ward QUESTIONABLE
Talanoa Hufanga QUESTIONABLE
=====
Arik Armstead OUT
Former Chief Charvarius Ward (groin injury) is obviously one to keep an eye on, as he will play a key role in stopping the Chiefs’ offense, but safety Talanoa Hufanga (concussion) is equally important to that defense. The 49ers’ fifth-round pick in 2021 is a blossoming star in the back end of the San Francisco defense, as he has become more and more consistent at delivering huge plays in clutch situations. Hufanga still has one step to clear in concussion protocol, so fans probably won’t know his status, or Charvarius Ward’s, until inactives are announced before the game on Sunday.
The 49ers also pulled the trigger on a huge trade on Thursday night, acquiring Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey in exchange for draft picks. The sixth-year pro arrived at the Bay Area on Friday afternoon, and while it remains to be seen how active he will be in the offense, we do expect him to suit up. Expect McCaffrey to get a fair amount of reps against the Chiefs, who have given up 28 points per game in their last three games.
Writer recap
The Arrowhead Addict staff was divided over the Bills game last week, so there was plenty of moving around on the leaderboard. The game featured a lower final score than many expected (24-20), so our big winner was our fearless leader, Matt Conner, who predicted the Bills would win by the score of 27-24. Here are our writers’ picks for the Chiefs and 49ers this weekend:
Patrick Allen (4-2)
The Chiefs are coming off a loss, which might be bad news for the 49ers. The Chiefs came out on fire following their last loss to the Indianapolis Colts, absolutely steam-rolling the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While the 49ers have a terrific defense and a smart head coach, San Francisco is even more banged up than the Chiefs right now. Kyle Shanahan will have his team ready to play, but the Chiefs have too much firepower on offense for the 49ers to hang in this one, even at home. KC gets back in the win column.
Chiefs 31, 49ers 21
Adam Best (4-2)
CMC or no CMC, the 49ers aren’t up to the task. Still, a little banged up on D, San Francisco will fail to slow down Mahomes and Co.
Chiefs 34, 49ers 23
Matt Conner (4-2)
The Chiefs are not losing to a team that has already lost to the Bears, Falcons, and Broncos. I don’t care who is injured or healthy. Deebo Samuel could have 500 yards from scrimmage and I’d still take the Chiefs by 20.
Chiefs 38, 49ers 20
Bransen Gibson (4-2)
The Chiefs will be looking to return to the winner’s list against the 49ers, and I think they will do just that. KC more than held their own against a Buffalo team that is the best in the NFL, and I think the Chiefs will be too strong on both sides of the ball against the 49ers, even with Christian McCaffrey.
Chiefs 27, 49ers 17
Lyle Graversen (4-2)
While I think the Chiefs will pull this game out, I think it might be a dogfight right up to the end. It looks like the 49ers will have several of their injured players back this week, which means their defense will be tough. I’m guessing this will be a relatively low-scoring game by KC standards, with Patrick Mahomes able to produce in the clutch where Jimmy Garoppolo can’t.
Chiefs 23 49ers 20
Anthony Hatton (4-2)
San Fran really executes in the ground game. They’ll try to control the clock and keep the football away from Kansas City’s offense. Unfortunately for the 49ers, I don’t see the Chiefs losing two games in a row. They will bounce back with an attitude. Expect to see a focused team that will force Jimmy Garoppolo’s arm to win.
Chiefs 29, 49ers 22
Scott Loring (3-3)
I just don’t have a good feeling about this one. The Niners have a lot of top-end talent on both sides of the ball, and Kyle Shanahan will empty his playbook in order to avenge his Super Bowl loss. The Chiefs defense has to force two or more turnovers in order to win this one, and if they pull that off, I think the Chiefs will indeed win. However, I don’t think it’ll happen. Deebo, Aiyuk, and Kittle will prove to be a little too much for the Chiefs, who drop a tough one on the road. A late field goal wins it for the bad guys.
49ers 29, Chiefs 28
Ellen Mathis (5-1)
The Chiefs tend to be very good coming off a loss and are getting an important piece back in Willie Gay Jr. That should help the Chiefs defend against a good run game from the 49ers that is suddenly boosted by acquiring Christian McCaffrey. While McCaffrey is unlikely to see a ton of snaps, it is still a new threat the Chiefs need to contend with. I expect the Chiefs to come out and reaffirm their Super Bowl LIV win.
Chiefs 31, 49ers 20
Jacob Milham (4-2)
I want to be optimistic and predict a blowout, but this 49ers defense and rushing attack are no joke. San Francisco allows under 15 points per game, which is second in the NFL. Kansas City has won 14 of their last 15 games against NFC opponents, so history is on their side. This game will be closer than many think though.
Chiefs 28, 49ers 20
Greg Morse (4-2)
The Chiefs meet up with their Super Bowl LIV foes again on Sunday, but the casts are much different. But you know what’s still the same? The quarterbacks. Patrick Mahomes outduels Jimmy G once again, and Travis Kelce shows the world why he’s a better TE than George Kittle (is it even still a debate?). I’m curious to see how the Chiefs’ run defense holds up, but I still think they get the win.
Chiefs 31 49ers 20
KC Proctor (4-2)
Sunday will be another physical and intense challenge for the Chiefs, but I like the Chiefs getting back on track in Week 7. Both of these teams are looking for a bounce back, and this will be a doozy.
Chiefs 27, 49ers 24
Charles Robinson (5-1)
Quite frankly, this feels like a game that the Chiefs might not have to win, but definitely one that they need to win heading into the early bye. 5-2 feels a lot better than 4-3 going into the break and getting into a much softer part of the schedule compared to the start. San Francisco provides a unique challenge with offensive weapons, including newly acquired running back Christian McCaffrey, that could give a banged-up Chiefs defense issues. But an equally banged-up 49ers defense could also allow for a Chiefs offensive explosion – and I think we’re due for just that. It’s still Jimmy G. vs. Patrick Mahomes, who is 10-0 all-time in games where the Chiefs are <3 point favorites and the over/under is < 50.
Chiefs 36, 49ers 20
Lucas Strozinsky (4-2)
This game is tough to predict because many variables are in play. First, both teams are coming off of tough losses in Week 6. Second, the 49ers will be looking to avenge their Super Bowl LIV loss to the Chiefs almost three years ago. Kansas City will look to attack a secondary that could be down several starters. At the same time, San Francisco will aim to exploit a Chiefs defensive line that, outside of Chris Jones, is lousy across the board. If Trent Williams can be anything close to the player he was before this most recent injury, and Christian McCaffrey plays and pays dividends in his first game as a Niner, this game could get sketchy for the Chiefs. In the end, the Chiefs are the better team and should do enough to win this game, but it very likely won’t be easy.
Chiefs 24, 49ers 21
Grant Tuttle (5-1)
The Chiefs aren’t losing this game. Mahomes will bounce back and throw a 3 or 4 touchdown kind of game. The 49ers have some serious talent and they have some serious injury concerns. Look for KC to take it to them.
Chiefs 38, 49ers 20