The Kansas City Chiefs are somehow undefeated despite getting Kareem Hunt and JuJu Smith-Schuster off the street to fill key roles. But the San Francisco 49ers are the best defense the Chiefs have played, with Fred Warner ranking No. 1 in defensive production rating among all linebackers with one sack, a league-high four forced fumbles, five pass breakups, two interceptions and a touchdown. When a 3-3 team is favored over an undefeated one, there is a reason. — Vic Tafur
How good are the Chiefs?
Check out Austin Mock’s 2024 NFL projections, where you will find each team’s probability of conquering its division, advancing through the playoffs and winning the Super Bowl. The projections are based on 100,000 simulations of the remainder of the season, which factors in each team’s projected strength, current health as well as its remaining schedule.
Week 7: at San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 3:25 p.m. CT (FOX)
Inside the rise of Leo Chenal
In his third season, Chenal has become the Chiefs’ most versatile defender. “The guy can play whatever.”
What’s changed since the Super Bowl?
A lot has changed for both teams since their overtime thriller in Las Vegas, including significant injuries. Our beat writers break it down.
Red zone failures are holding back the offense
In 18 trips inside the 20-yard line, the Chiefs have scored a touchdown just seven times (38.9 percent), ranking 29th in the league.
How the Chiefs defense is shutting down running backs
The Chiefs’ defensive motto for 2024 is “Demanding better,” and it has been just that, holding running backs to 52.6 rushing yards per game.
📈 Power Rankings: Chiefs at No. 4
Will the Chiefs trade for a wide receiver? This team is trying to three-peat, so it can’t afford to stand pat at this position.
Scouting the opponent
Catch up on all the latest news on the 49ers before this Super Bowl rematch.
Around the NFL
Sando’s Pick Six: Deshaun Watson and a Browns escape plan
The salary cap would make cutting Watson painful but not impossible. Could the Browns thread the tiniest needle with a trade?
Why Davante Adams, Amari Cooper trades could be different
In-season wide receiver trades usually flop. But the Jets and Bills should not necessarily panic.
NFL panic meter
How worried should the Cowboys, Browns and other struggling teams be?
NFL QB stock report
Since 2022, Brock Purdy has been just as good, if not better, than Bengals QB Joe Burrow. So why doesn’t he get the same shine?
Exclusive: Jerry Jones explains himself after fired up comments
“The facts are that if I’m going to be grilled by the tribunal, I don’t need it to be by the guys I’m paying.”
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(Top photo: Jamie Squire / Getty Images)
