Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers Pick & Prediction OCTOBER 20th 2024

Preview and Prediction

Undoubtedly, the 49ers are eager for another opportunity to face off against the Kansas City Chiefs, a rematch of their Super Bowl showdown in Las Vegas that ended in disappointment for San Francisco on a forgettable February afternoon.

The Chiefs are currently on a quest for a third consecutive championship and have started the season with an impressive 5-0 record, extending their winning streak to 11 games dating back to last Christmas. Perhaps their most memorable victory during this stretch was their 25-22 overtime triumph over the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, where they overcame a 10-point deficit to claim the Lombardi Trophy.

Meanwhile, the 49ers are sitting at a 3-3 record after what head coach Kyle Shanahan deemed a "must win" game against the Seattle Seahawks on October 10th. While he isn't using those same words to describe this week's matchup, there is no denying the importance the 49ers place on Sunday's game for their 2024 season.

"I try to have the same conversation every week, just word it a little differently - I never want to say 'must win'," Shanahan stated. "I see this game like I see all games. Every game matters. But I didn't choose those words (must win) this week."

Although the 49ers have had a 10-day break between games and are eager for a rematch, the timing of facing the reigning champions is not ideal. The Chiefs had a week off last week.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid boasts the highest winning percentage in the NFL after a bye week, with a record of 21-4 (.840). This includes an 8-3 record in the regular season with Kansas City.

On the other hand, the 49ers are facing some challenges with injuries. They are still without their star player, 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey, and his backup, Jordan Mason, who is currently the second-highest rusher in the league this season, left last week's game with a sprained shoulder.

In addition, wide receiver Jauan Jennings (hip) and kicker Jake Moody (right ankle sprain) did not participate in practice on Wednesday. Wideout Deebo Samuel Sr. (wrist) was limited.

The only regular player who did not practice for the Chiefs after their bye week was defensive end Mike Danna (pectoral).

Shanahan mentioned that they often make changes to their strategy when facing the Chiefs, especially in the fourth quarter. The key for any opponent trying to defeat Kansas City is to outplay their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.

"Everyone says 'down year' because their numbers aren't just crazy. But Pat's as good as it gets," Shanahan, who has yet to defeat Reid in his career as an assistant or head coach, explained. "He's been as good as it gets since the first year he got to play. All of their games except for one has come down to the last possession, and he's as good as it gets in that situation."

Shanahan's record against Reid includes two losses in Super Bowl matchups between the 49ers and Chiefs, with Kansas City emerging victorious with a score of 31-20 in February 2020.

The Chiefs are not using injuries as an excuse. Despite having a week off to rest, they are still far from full strength with 12 games left in the regular season.

The Chiefs will be heading to the West Coast without their top running back, Isiah Pacheco (leg), as well as their top two wide receivers, Hollywood Brown (shoulder) and Rashee Rice (knee), who are all on injured reserve. However, familiar faces have returned to the team in recent weeks and have taken on prominent roles alongside Mahomes. Kareem Hunt has once again taken on the role of top running back for the Chiefs, and JuJu Smith-Schuster, who was signed off the street in August, had an impressive seven-catch, 130-yard performance in Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints.

The constantly changing depth chart has also allowed Mahomes to reconnect with tight end Travis Kelce, who has recorded 16 catches for 159 yards in the past two games. Mahomes has maintained a positive mindset, refusing to dwell on who is unavailable for a particular game.

"I'm just excited for the guys who continue to get better each and every week," Mahomes said. "I think we've got the guys to do it."

PREDICTION

Kansas City Chiefs

23

24

San Francisco 49ers