For the second time this season, the (5-0) Kansas City Chiefs are facing a rematch against one of last season’s postseason opponents — in this case, the team they defeated in last February’s Super Bowl LVIII: the (3-3) San Francisco 49ers. The Chiefs won the first of these games — a 27-20 win over the Baltimore Ravens, whom they defeated in 2023’s AFC Championship — and will have one more 2023 postseason rematch when they face the Buffalo Bills in Week 11.
First quarter
The Chiefs won the opening coin toss, choosing to defer their decision to the second half. That gave the 49ers possession to start this game. San Francisco began at the 30-yard line after a touchback.
A holding penalty set the 49ers back immediately, wiping out a big run because defensive tackle Mike Pennel was held in pursuit. The Chiefs’ pass defense held tight on second down, then a draw play was stopped by safety Bryan Cook to force a punt.
The Chiefs faced third down quickly on the opening possession, but converted easily with a strong route by wide receiver Mecole Hardman to get open towards the sideline. The Chiefs only needed one yard on the next third down that came up, but pressure from 49ers’ defensive end Nick Bosa forced a bad throw…