Chiefs Vs 49ers: Final Headlines, X Factors

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The time for talking is almost done before Sunday’s kickoff. The Kansas City Chiefs are set for a west coast trip against the San Francisco 49ers. More importantly, this is Kansas City’s last game before the bye week, allowing them to head into the second half of the season on the right foot. With a victory on Sunday, the Chiefs would be sitting at 5-2 with ten games left to play in the regular season.

We have discussed key matchups and gameplans all week long. What are the final headlines to watch for before Sunday’s kickoff? We will list those, along with players to watch for, who could be viewed as under the radar x factors entering the game from both the Chiefs and the 49ers. Let’s kick it off.

Final Headlines

Can Chiefs Offense Stay On Schedule?

The Chiefs had arguably their best offensive performance this season in Tampa Bay. Since then, it has been up and down for the Kansas City attack. They have had to crawl out of holes. They have been hurt by costly penalties. Moreover, the Chiefs just cannot seem to get in rhythm when opportunities present themselves.

Against the Raiders, Kansas City failed to gain a key first down to ice the game. The Chiefs still defeated Las Vegas in the end. However, the defense was put in a precarious spot with just a one-point lead. Last week, the Chiefs had multiple chances to put the Bills on their heels. Yet, inability to block, complete passes and move the sticks held Kansas City back. Ultimately, Buffalo eventually found a way to cash in and win the game. Can the Chiefs find a way to play a complete game offensively? If so, it will come down to staying on schedule, being ahead of the sticks and putting the opponent away, if necessary.

How Will 49ers Divide Offensive Touches?

In case you were living under a rock late last night and early this morning, you know that the 49ers have acquired star running back Christian McCaffrey from the Carolina Panthers. This blockbuster move comes with just over a week to go until the 2022 NFL trade deadline. As of this writing, it is still up in the air if we will see much of McCaffrey in the San Francisco offense on Sunday. He may not have enough time to learn the whole playbook, given he may only get one practice with the 49ers. Though, San Francisco could always give him spotted touches in the red zone or near the goal line.

Even if McCaffrey does not play at all, the 49ers have been inconsistent with their running back usage. Jeff Wilson had been the lead running back, due to the injury of Elijah Mitchell. He only saw seven carries come his way last week. On top of that, Wilson lost a fumble and that appeared to cost him heavily for production late in last week’s contest. Veteran running back Tevin Coleman recently returned to the 49ers and saw four carries last week. He only mustered three total yards, however. Finally, rookie Tyrion Davis-Price is back healthy after missing a few weeks. We also know that the 49ers will get schemed touches to Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk out of the backfield as well.

Protecting Mahomes Should Be Top Priority

We already talked about the Chiefs needing to finish stronger on offense. But, this team desperately needs to start faster as a blocking unit. In just the last two weeks, Patrick Mahomes has been sacked six times. That is more sacks than he took in the first four games combined. Certainly, not all of these have been because of the offensive line. It is just blatantly obvious that there is a talent gap between the Chiefs offensive tackles and other offensive tackle duos.

Orlando Brown Jr. and Andrew Wylie each finished last year off on a high note. Nevertheless, it has been a constant uphill battle for each blocker this season. Brown Jr. has continuously struggled to handle speed rushers. Whereas with Wylie, powerful pass rushers have exposed his hand placement on punches and failure to win leverage battles this season. San Francisco presents a fair amount of power and speed in their pass rush. With the confusion that they can create, communication will be key for the Chiefs offensive line. Sufficient timing from Mahomes will also be needed, to boot.

X Factors

Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire

After a tremendous performance in Tampa Bay, it has been a largely empty last two weeks for Clyde Edwards-Helaire. He has not been fed quite as much, which is not all his fault. Most of all, Edwards-Helaire has been bottled up in the middle of the field and behind the line of scrimmage. With the range and athleticism of the 49ers defense, CEH must be willing to show patience and superb spatial awareness. Another frustrating week could put him behind the eight-ball coming out of the bye week.

49ers DE Drake Jackson

It has been an exciting start for rookie Drake Jackson. So far, he has produced four quarterback hits, three sacks, two tackles for loss and a pass defensed. San Francisco is the exact situation that he needed to be drafted into. For a unique player, with size thresholds and noticeable speed off of the edge, the 49ers stunt and twist pass rush plan is perfect for him. He can crash and close with burst around the corner. Or, Jackson will slash inside across the opponent’s face. Kansas City will have to work hard to corral him.

Chiefs DT Derrick Nnadi

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San Francisco loves to lean on the physicality of their running game. As a result, this is a prime opportunity for Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi. Nnadi is far from a three-down defender. Even still, he continually poses a threat to an offense’s rushing attack. His ability to spin and swim off of blocks is mostly unnoticed. With his strength and power upfront, Nnadi is built for a commanding matchup that the 49ers present with the running game.

49ers WR Jauan Jennings

Jauan Jennings may not get the attention that Samuel, Aiyuk or George Kittle get in the passing attack. Be that as it may, Jennings is a consistent explosive play threat waiting to happen. He is a vertical threat who can eat up a defensive back’s cushion in an instant. On the flip side, Jennings’ mix of size and quickness make him challenging to bring down after the catch. His production may not show it. But, Jennings can be a red zone and contested catch threat in crucial situations for the 49ers.

Be on the lookout for our FPC Chiefs recap articles and analysis following Sunday’s game. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.