No. 3: Controlling the line of scrimmage
As in any NFL game, this game will be won or lost in the trenches.
The Chiefs must avoid being completely dominated at the line of scrimmage. A tough task seeing how much the 49ers spent the offseason upgrading their offensive line. Furthermore, San Francisco has an outstanding crop of defensive linemen in first-round NFL Draft picks DeForest Buckner, Solomon Thomas and Arik Armstead.
In order to win, Kansas City must stop the run and make the 49ers one-dimensional through the air. Matt Breida might be leading the league in rushing, but scheming against him is something the Chiefs should prioritize. Making the Niners pass heavy increases the chances of creating turnovers.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs offensive line has to be dominant. Patrick Mahomes is only starting in the fourth game of his career, so a strong running performance from Kareem Hunt is essential. A strong running game will allow the Chiefs to dictate tempo. Keeping the Niners offense on the sideline will be helpful in trying to secure a win.
Controlling of the line of scrimmage is the key to allowing the other factors to work. If the offensive line holds up, it will allow Mahomes and the offense score often. Coupled with a heavy pass rush that could lead to turnovers by the 49ers, this would be the recipe to victory.
