I’ll be honest, finding a way on how the 49ers can beat the Chiefs seems impossible. Impossible because given the youth of this team, I just don’t think they can play the game required for being on the road against one of the most explosive offenses in the league thus far.
That said, if the 49ers can win, this will be a major statement to the league. It also means the 49ers are even further along in rebuilding because they went into a top team’s house and beat them. Don’t count on it, but that will be the result. The truth is, Arrowhead is one of the loudest stadiums on the continent and it’s not easy to play with that noise as anyone who shares a rivalry with the Seattle Seahawks will tell you.
The 49ers have a chane with this one, but given what I’ve seen, it’s a very very small chance.
The 49ers will win if...
Hate to be vague, but: Perfection. The 49ers have all the tools to play perfect football, but with their youth, I don’t know if they know how to embrace those tools to do so. We’ve seen numerous mistakes and self inflicted wounds costing them against the Minnesota Vikings and almost burning them against the Detroit Lions. Passes have to be caught. Touchdowns have to be made. 3rd and twelves with the Chiefs offense can’t be converted. Garoppolo has to get the ball out quick while his line can guard. The 49ers cannot make mistakes. It’s a tall order for the youth of this team. Even worse when the thinning depth is getting tested with injuries. Outside of the Los Angeles Rams game, this may be the hardest game on the front half of the schedule. The only way the 49ers are getting out of here is with smart football on all phases of the game. No mistakes, no miscues, perfection. They have the talent to do so.
The 49ers will lose if...
Patrick Mahomes can do whatever the hell he wants. We will have a separate post talking about what Mahomes may have to deal with, but with 10 touchdowns in two games, he needs to get a wakeup call. That starts with the pass rush (God forbid). If the 49ers allow Mahomes time in the pocket, that they allowed Matthew Stafford, it’s going to be a long nightmare. If, in addition, the 49ers can’t keep up with the Chiefs receivers and bat those passes away, it’s pretty much all over. The Chiefs defense isn’t that great, but the offense can answer any successful drive the 49ers mount. It starts with Mahomes. If they can’t stop him even perfect football may not be enough with that talent in Kansas City.
What do you think will be the reasons the 49ers will win/lose?