As the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs prepare to square off, there are multiple storylines brewing ahead of what promises to be a high-stakes, competitive matchup.
Both teams boast explosive offenses, gritty defenses, and a penchant for performing under pressure, making this game a true test for two Super Bowl contenders.
One of the main headlines revolves around injuries and debuts. For the 49ers, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is listed as questionable, which could open the door for Ricky Pearsall, who is expected to make his NFL debut.
With Jauan Jennings ruled out for the game, Pearsall may see more snaps than anticipated, presenting a prime opportunity for the rookie to make an early impact. Known for his versatility and solid hands during his college career, Pearsall could quickly become a target in the 49ers’ passing game.
On the other side of the ball, the Chiefs offense, led by Patrick Mahomes, will face a 49ers defense that ranks 22nd in EPA (expected points added) per play. While the 49ers’ defense has shown vulnerability, particularly against the pass where they rank 23rd, it’s the rushing attack of the Chiefs that may hold the key to the game.
Enter Kareem Hunt, who has emerged as the Chiefs’ clear RB1. With Samaje Perine operating primarily as a pass-catching back and rookie Carson Steele struggling with ball security—three fumbles already this season—Hunt has solidified his role as the workhorse in Kansas City’s backfield.
Given his hard-nosed running style and ability to wear down defenses, Hunt is poised to play a pivotal role, especially against a 49ers defense that ranks 21st in rushing EPA.
While both teams boast top offenses, their approaches differ slightly. The 49ers rank 6th in offensive EPA, with a balanced attack that leans slightly more on the pass (6th in passing EPA) than the run (13th in rushing EPA).
The Chiefs, meanwhile, rank 8th overall in offensive EPA, with a passing game that sits at 14th and a rushing attack ranked 8th. These rankings reflect two offenses capable of striking quickly and efficiently, but with contrasting strengths that could dictate the flow of the game.
Defensively, both teams have shown flashes of brilliance but remain inconsistent. The Chiefs rank 21st in defensive EPA per play, with their biggest weakness coming against the run (26th in rushing EPA). This could play into the hands of the 49ers’ rushing attack, potentially setting up Christian McCaffrey for a big day.
Meanwhile, the 49ers’ defense has been equally vulnerable, particularly through the air, where they rank 23rd in EPA per play. This matchup could spell trouble for a defense that will face Mahomes’ dynamic passing attack.
However, one of the most intriguing elements of this game is Kareem Hunt’s role in the Chiefs offense. With a more prominent workload in the absence of a reliable secondary back, Hunt could be key to controlling the pace and keeping the 49ers’ offense off the field.
Given the 49ers’ struggles against the run, Hunt is primed for a heavy dose of carries, making him a prime candidate to exceed his rushing attempts over/under line. His ability to grind out tough yards and sustain drives could prove critical in what many expect to be a closely contested game.
As the 49ers and Chiefs face off, all eyes will be on the key matchups—Mahomes against the 49ers’ secondary, Kareem Hunt against their run defense, and whether Ricky Pearsall can seize his opportunity in his NFL debut.
With both teams jockeying for position in the standings and boasting two of the league’s most potent offenses, this game has all the makings of a classic showdown. Whether it’s a veteran like Hunt or a rookie like Pearsall who steps up, one thing is clear: this matchup won’t disappoint.
