The Kansas City Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers in a Week 7 rematch of last year’s Super Bowl. The 49ers are favored over the undefeated Chiefs thanks to their high-flying offense. They are currently 2nd in the NFL in total offense while scoring 27 points per game, tied for 7th in the league.
Fortunately, the Chiefs have an elite defense to slow down San Francisco’s potent offense. Here are three areas where the defense must succeed if the Chiefs are to pull off the upset.
Chiefs vs 49ers Week 7: Three Keys for Chiefs Defense Against the 49ers Offense
Chiefs Must Stop 49ers Rushing Attack in Week 7
The Chiefs have been one of the best teams against the run this season. They are fifth in the league in rush defense, giving up just 88.4 yards per game. Kyle Shanahan loves to establish the run, so the Chiefs’ front seven will have to maintain this level of dominance to keep the 49ers from controlling the game.
Though star running back Christian McCaffrey is still on IR, Jordan Mason has performed well in his absence. The converted kick returner is the NFL’s 2nd-leading rusher while averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Furthermore, rookie Isaac Guerendo rushed for 99 yards on 10 carries last week against the Seattle Seahawks.
Kansas City’s defense has shut down some of the league’s best running backs this season. The Chiefs held Derrick Henry, Bijan Robinson, and Alvin Kamara to under 50 yards on the ground. Jordan Mason might be a star in the making, but he will have his toughest test of the season against the Chiefs.
Chiefs Need to Contain George Kittle
George Kittle is having another stellar season in 2024. He leads all tight ends with five touchdowns and is top five in receptions (2nd) and yards (4th). Kittle has been the 49ers’ best pass catcher this year and will play a huge role in Sunday’s game.
The Chiefs have struggled to defend tight ends this year, allowing 82 yards per game. Kittle will be, far and away, the best tight end the Chiefs have faced this year. A monstrous performance could be in store for him.
Chiefs Can’t Give Brock Purdy Time to Create Plays
49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is one of the best in the NFL at extending plays. Even when the play breaks down, he can escape pressure and bye time to find open receivers downfield. Purdy can also rely on a great pair of receivers to throw to in Deebo Samuel Sr. and Brandon Aiyuk.
The Chiefs have more than enough playmakers in the secondary to slow down the 49ers’ star receiver duo. However, every NFL receiver gets open if they’re given enough time. The Chiefs must create pressure on Brock Purdy while preventing him from scrambling outside and having success on broken plays.
Kansas City is among the worst in the league with just nine sacks on the season. The Chiefs will also be without starting edge rusher Mike Danna on Sunday. It will be up to Chris Jones and George Karlaftis to wreak havoc and stifle Brock Purdy’s playmaking abilities.
The Chiefs certainly face one of their toughest matchups of the season against the 49ers in Week 7. But if the defense can pressure Prock Purdy and keep George Kittle from having a big game, it will put the injury-riddle offense in a better position to win. They will also need to take away the 49ers’ run game if Patrick Mahomes is to remain undefeated against the 49ers for his career.
Main Image: Denny Medley – USA Today Sports
