49ers vs Chiefs: Writers predictions for Week 7 ahead of Super Bowl rematch

Your Kansas City Chiefs are in sunny Santa Clara this weekend for a matchup against the NFC West's San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers are 3-3 heading into the Week 7 clash, aiming to get back above .500 on the season while trying to spoil Kansas City's undefeated record in 2024.

The defending Super Bowl champions are coming off an early-season bye week following their Week 5 victory over the New Orleans Saints. San Francisco is well-rested in their own right, having had 10 days off between their Week 6 and 7 games. This rest has benefited many of the Chiefs players, with only defensive end Mike Danna ruled out ahead of Sunday’s game. Meanwhile, San Francisco listed 15 players on their final injury report for this season.

The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers lock up once again this week in a pivotal Super Bowl rematch.

There are plenty of matchups, storylines, and takes leading up to this week's game. Many of our writers, along with the Chiefs, are undefeated this season. Will their hot streaks continue, or could California be the site of a semi-upset? There's only one way to find out.

Price Carter (5-0)

With the struggles of the Chiefs' offense, it’s hard to see this game becoming a wide margin. I think the Chiefs' defense is the best unit in this game and should be able to do just enough to slow down Brock Purdy without Jennings or McCaffrey. Chiefs 24, 49ers 21

Matt Conner (5-0)

The Chiefs aren’t going to go undefeated all season long, which means we need to account for some in-season losses here, and I trust the 49ers to be one of those. I still think the Chiefs will win 75 percent of their regular season contests, but the Niners are a worthy opponent and I don’t fully trust the Chiefs’ firepower at this point to keep up with a team that can really put on the pressure. 49ers 31, Chiefs 28

Lyle Graversen (5-0)

The 49ers will be motivated to finally get a win against the Chiefs, but Andy Reid is always at his best after the bye. This should be an even game, but with Kansas City's ability to stop the run, I think they'll be able to contain the SF offense and squeak out another close win. Chiefs 23, 49ers 20

Braden Holecek (5-0)

A Chiefs offense still finding themselves against a 49ers defense that is playing a bit below their standards makes for a fascinating contest. The area of the game I am excited to watch the most, though, is the Chiefs defense. Brock Purdy has played well, but San Francisco's skill players have been a bit up and down. With personnel advantages on the KC defensive line, seeing how Steve Spagnuolo attacks Purdy and the shaky 49ers offensive line could very well be the difference. Spags has been able to frustrate Shanahan-type schemes in the past. Will he do it again? Chiefs 29, 49ers 22

Jacob Milham (5-0)
If you're looking for a heavyweight bout this Sunday, look no further than Levi's Stadium. Neither of these teams is healthy or perfect on paper, but Kansas City aims to continue their undefeated season against last year's NFC champions. The easy talking points focus on Kansas City's wideouts and sputtering offense, but hopefully, a bye week is just what that side of the ball needed. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will certainly have a unique game plan for Kyle Shanahan's offense. I went back and forth on this final call, but Kansas City's consistent success against the 49ers is impossible to ignore. Chiefs 21, 49ers 20

Shawn O'Brate (5-0)
After a week off one would hope the Chiefs have put together some surefire, defense-beating plays in the book with some creativity and some fun behind them. I think the extra week off, despite some lingering injury concerns, overall work in Andy Reid’s favor (like normal) and the Chiefs move to 6-0 on the season. With that said I think Purdy and those weapons at receiver / TE make Kansas City look foolish once or twice and keep things interesting. Chiefs 28, 49ers 20

Charles Robinson (3-0)
Nothing like a Super Bowl 58 rematch to wake us back up after the bye week. For all the talk about the Chiefs injuries this season with Hollywood Brown, Isiah Pacheco, and Rashee Rice on the shelf, the 49ers are even worse off. The Niners come in with 15 players on their current injury list and 8 players on IR, including All-World running back Christian McCaffery. Until the Chiefs show us they're going to fold under pressure in 2024, I'm going to ride the "Chiefs win" train. Chiefs 23, 49ers 20

Stacy D. Smith (5-0)

The Chiefs are back in action this week versus a 49ers team that looks more vulnerable than any version they've seen in recent years. That said, I still expect their A game on Sunday afternoon. Something about the Kansas City Chiefs brings out EVERY team's Sunday Best. Andy Reid is always in his bag with extra time to prepare so I expect the Chiefs to have their best offensive showing in a while. Kareem Hunt will lead the way again as the lead dog in the backfield, Travis Kelce and JuJu Smith-Schuster will keep the chains moving in third-down situations, and Kansas City will have more success in red zone situations if Clyde Edwards-Helaire can go. San Fran's dealt with a host of injuries and Brock Purdy's been a bit hold and cold this season. The Niners will struggle a bit offensively against one of the league's top-rated defensive units. Chiefs 27, 49ers 20

Lucas Strozinsky (5-0)

Coming out of the bye week, the Chiefs should come out firing on offense for their adjusted standards. As long as they don't allow Nick Bosa to wreck the game and are competent in the red zone, they shouldn't struggle to score points in this game. Patrick Mahomes is also due for a positive regression to the mean game after a mediocre start to his season. Chiefs 29, 49ers 22