San Francisco 49ers v. Kansas City Chiefs: Game day open thread

The San Francisco 49ers are looking at a tall task in taking on the Chiefs and that juggernaut of an offense – come talk all things 49ers here.

The San Francisco 49ers come into their week three matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs about a touchdown underdog, according to the bookmakers. They’re probably 30 point underdogs to Chiefs fans.

Most people give them about as much chance of winning this game as Tokyo has of going completely undamaged when Godzilla decides to roll through.

It’s not hard to figure out why. Kansas City’s offense has been electric, explosive, and by far, head and shoulders above the entire league to this point. Their average of 40 points and 400-yards plus over the first two games has been eye-popping, and has caught the attention of the league.

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And, it’s very likely caused more than a few sleepless nights for defensive coordinators as well.

With Patrick Mahomes under center, the Chiefs offense has looked elite so far, this young season. They’re far more explosive and dangerous than they were last season. Alex Smith was outstanding in his efficiency, but he rarely gambled the way Mahomes is – and is having some tremendous success at, so far.

With a 69 percent completion rate, 10 touchdown passes, and zero touchdowns, Mahomes has been scintillating. His six touchdown throws against Pittsburgh last week, propelling the Chiefs to a 42-37 win, and a 2-0 star to the season, has Kansas City’s faithful foaming at the mouth, and calling for his bust to be enshrined in Canton already.

Things have gone smoother than butter for Mahomes to this point, but the law of averages insists that he’ll come back down to earth sooner or later. The 49ers have got to hope that happens sooner. And what’s more, they need to step up their play to ensure it.

Kansas City’s offensive outburst has largely overshadowed a defense that has been an abomination through the first two weeks of the year. Kansas City’s defense is giving up more than 400 yards per game, and is near the bottom – if they’re not dead last – in most conceivably important metric.

It’s a big flaw in the Chiefs’ armor that Kyle Shanahan, Jimmy Garoppolo, and the 49ers offense are going to have to exploit in a big way if they hope to keep pace with an offense as white-hot as Kansas City’s.

Defensively, the 49ers have some issues, and will very likely need the offense to stand toe-to-toe with Kansas City, score as many points as possible, and answer every challenge. This very well could end up being like the Kansas City and Pittsburgh last week, trading scores, and the team with the ball last winning.

The 49ers are getting Reuben Foster, and Malcolm Smith back, which should help them on the defensive side of the ball tremendously. They’re also getting Marquise Goodwin back this week, giving Garoppolo a familiar target he has some solid chemistry with.

It appears to be a nice day in Kansas City, with temperatures in the 70’s, and humidity that isn’t stifling. The conditions appear to be good for some football in Kansas City’s home opener.

The 49ers though, will be without a few key players. Ruled out of today’s game are Joshua Garnett, Jaquiski Tartt, Jullian Taylor, Greg Mabin, and Richie James.

Kansas City will be without the services of Eric Berry, Ben Niemann, and Austin Reiter, among a few others.

On paper, this looks like a big time mismatch, and a rout in the making. Good thing the games aren’t play on paper though. The 49ers come in as big underdogs, which will make the win look that much better if they can pull it off.

It’s coming up on game time, so let’s turn it over to you. What are the biggest storylines you’re tracking? Who are the players you’re watching? Who will be studs this week? And who will be duds?

This is your virtual soapbox, so stand up, speak out, and call your shot – who is going to win this game and what do you see the final score being?

Next. A Few Keys To A Victory Over The Kansas City Chiefs. dark

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the game, and all things 49ers football, so step on up, and speak out!