No. 1: Make the game high scoring
Despite the 2-0 start and an offense that has scored 80 points total in two weeks, the Chiefs defense is suspect. Totaling 1,016 yards allowed, no team defense has allowed more than Kansas City over two weeks. A low-scoring game benefits the 49ers, who’ll look to eat up time of possession and keep Patrick Mahomes and Co. off the field. San Francisco has a better offensive line and it can control the clock with running back Matt Breida and the running game.
To win on at home, Kansas City mush start off fast and finish drives with touchdowns. Settling for field goals won’t get it done versus the 49ers. If the Chiefs can get San Francisco trailing early and force it to play catch-up, that’s to their advantage.
The potential for explosive plays is in favor of the Chiefs. San Francisco has a questionable secondary and can be exploited, particularly against cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, who hasn’t looked sharp over the first two weeks. Receiving targets Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and Sammy Watkins should have no problem getting open versus this defense as long as they avoid cornerback Richard Sherman.
It’s on Mahomes to take his chances down the field and create explosive plays.
Suppose Mahomes and the offense don’t make big plays, this game will look much like previous seasons. Kansas City will fall back into constantly running the ball and taking underneath passes for minimum gains. The best route to victory is to see if the Niners can keep up, scoring-wise.