The Kansas City Chiefs travel to face the San Francisco 49ers in a rematch of Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best NFL odds from the top sportsbooks.
NFL Pick: Chiefs ML (+105) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Chiefs vs. 49ers
Sunday, October 20, 2024 – 04:25 PM ET at Levi’s Stadium
Kansas City Veterans Lead the Way in Win Over New Orleans
Kansas City relied on their seasoned playmakers in a 26-13 win over the Saints on October 7. Patrick Mahomes delivered a stellar performance, throwing for 331 yards, while Travis Kelce was the top target with nine catches for 70 yards. Kareem Hunt, returning to the Chiefs lineup, rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown, helping Kansas City maintain offensive balance.
On defense, the Chiefs made life difficult for Derek Carr, holding him to 185 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception before he was forced out with an oblique injury. Kansas City’s defense also stymied Alvin Kamara, limiting the star running back to just 26 yards on 11 carries. This was just the latest in a series of dominant run-stopping performances from the Chiefs.
49ers Rebound With Strong Performance Against Seahawks
San Francisco bounced back in impressive fashion with a 36-24 victory over the Seahawks. Brock Purdy threw for 255 yards and three touchdowns, leading the way for the 49ers’ offense. Deebo Samuel contributed a highlight-reel 76-yard catch-and-run touchdown, finishing with 102 receiving yards on the day. George Kittle added five receptions for 58 yards and two touchdowns, extending San Francisco’s winning streak over Seattle to six games.
After a disappointing loss to Arizona in their previous outing, the 49ers regained their composure and withstood a second-half push from the Seahawks to secure the win.
Keys to the Game
The connection between Mahomes and Kelce remains the engine of Kansas City’s offense. Mahomes threw for 331 yards in his last game, and the 49ers will need to tighten up their secondary if they hope to slow him down. Kansas City will likely look to find mismatches for Kelce in the middle of the field, where he’s most dangerous. San Francisco’s physical defense must limit his impact to disrupt Mahomes’ rhythm.
Purdy has been efficient but will face one of his toughest tests yet against Kansas City’s defense. The Chiefs have consistently shut down opposing running games and forced offenses into uncomfortable passing situations. Purdy will need to spread the ball effectively to Samuel and Kittle while avoiding pressure and turnovers.
San Francisco’s offense depends on balancing the pass with a solid rushing attack, but Kansas City’s defense has been dominant against the run. If the 49ers can’t establish the run, they risk becoming one-dimensional. On the flip side, if they can find success on the ground, it could open up passing lanes and give Purdy a better chance to compete.
With both teams boasting strong offenses and defenses, turnovers and special teams play could be decisive. Kansas City’s defense has been opportunistic, forcing key mistakes from opposing quarterbacks. Meanwhile, the 49ers’ defense has bounced back from its struggles against Arizona, showing resilience in their win over Seattle. Whichever team wins the turnover battle may emerge victorious.
NFL Pick
Both teams are capable of putting up points and playing strong defense, setting up what should be a close, hard-fought game. Kansas City’s offense, with Mahomes and Kelce leading the way, may prove to be too much for San Francisco to handle. While the 49ers have the weapons to keep it competitive, the Chiefs’ balanced attack and defensive strength give them the upper hand.
NFL Pick: Chiefs ML (+105) at Bet365
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