BIG DECISION
Chiefs or 49ers? Predictions, preview,
CHIEFS VS. 49ERS 5:30 P.M. SUNDAY, FOX-32 Hard Rock Stadium | Miami Gardens, Fla. When the Chiefs have the ball
It’s not difficult to figure out how the Chiefs will approach any game. QB Patrick Mahomes will test defenses with his arm and skill for reading schemes. He has game-breakers in WRs Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins, which means single coverage on either is a gamble. TE Travis Kelce, left, is a first-down machine and a clutch performer all around. Damien Williams keys the backfield and comes off two exceptional postseason showings, even though Mahomes has often been the leading rusher by creating the way he did in the AFC title game with a brilliant tap dance down the sideline for a go-ahead score. That puts a huge onus on the 49ers to get an effective pass rush, something they have done virtually every week. They will harass Mahomes with a front seven led by rookie Nick Bosa (97), a force on the outside. DT DeForest Buckner has had a strong impact, and LBs Fred Warner and Kwon Alexander, who is finally healthy, are formidable. Having edge rusher Dee Ford, who was a Chief last season, bolsters the unit. They will challenge a good Chiefs offensive line anchored by RT Mitchell Schwartz and LT Eric Fisher. But if the O-line holds true, the 49ers could struggle in coverage against the speedy Chiefs wideouts. CB Richard Sherman remains outstanding, even if the rest of the secondary isn’t at his level.
Special teams
The Chiefs have a dangerous kick returner in Mecole Hardman, one of the NFL’s fastest players. The rookie gets antsy to return it, though, and that can lead to bad decisions. Harrison Butker is a reliable placekicker with good range. He did miss three extra points, one fewer than his misses on field goals. Veteran punter Dustin Colquitt had a kick blocked by the Texans for a TD, but he’s generally reliable.
Coaching
Andy Reid lost in the Super Bowl with the Eagles after the 2004 season, but he has a better team now. He has been masterful in handling Mahomes and the schemes that make the Chiefs offense so dangerous. He was wise enough to bring in an aggressive defensive coordinator after last year’s debacle cost them a shot at a ring. After a slow start, Steve Spagnuolo’s system has taken hold.
When the 49ers have the ball
After seeing the star turn by RB Raheem Mostert against the Packers, the Chiefs must be wary of what usually is a three-pronged rushing attack. Tevin Coleman, if fully healthy, and Matt Breida give QB Jimmy Garoppolo options in the backfield, although Mostert is certain to be the main man. They operate behind a veteran line led by LT Joe Staley and RT Mike McGlinchey, and Kyle Juszczyk is the NFL’s top fullback — as a blocker and receiver. If the 49ers run the ball effectively, it could open some wide spaces for All-Pro TE George Kittle, right, their most dynamic offensive player. Kittle is a difference-maker who will force the Chiefs to use double coverage. S Tyrann Mathieu, below, will see a lot of Kittle, and S Daniel Sorensen, who has had a monstrous playoffs, will be in the mix. Covering WRs Emmanuel Sanders, Kendrick Bourne and emerging rookie Deebo Samuel, who is fearless going over the middle, is another chore the Chiefs must handle well. That will require bigtime contributions up front from Chris Jones and Frank Clark and LBs Anthony Hitchens and Damien Wilson.
Special teams
Kicker Robbie Gould is in his 15th pro season. He kicked in a Super Bowl for the Bears 13 years ago, so this stage won’t unnerve him. Punter Mitch Wishnowsky is a mere pup in comparison, finishing off his first NFL season. Richie James ranked fifth in overall kick and punt returns for the 49ers, but isn’t a game breaker like the Chiefs have available.
Coaching
Kyle Shanahan, in his third year at the helm, took the 49ers from choosing second in the 2019 draft (Bosa was the prize) to their seventh Super Bowl. His versatile offense has been solid, and the defense under coordinator Robert Saleh has looked immovable at times. The front line is superb, and Saleh, like Shanahan, stays aggressive all game.