The Chiefs' greatest strength, besides their unmatched big-game experience, is probably getting after opposing QBs. The Detroit Lions then built a 17-point lead on the 49ers in the NFC title game, before a slew of drops, turnovers and failed fourth-down attempts assisted a San Francisco comeback.Ĥ4. The underdog Green Bay Packers led San Francisco late in the divisional round, before Purdy led a last-minute TD drive and the defense intercepted QB Jordan Love. 1 seed and enjoying a first-round playoff bye. The 49ers' road to the Super Bowl wasn't particularly smooth, despite claiming the NFC's No. Mahomes' other top contributors include rookie WR Rashee Rice, who has emerged down the stretch as a reliable downfield option (77.5% catch rate) and veteran speedster Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who has secured several key deep passes in the postseason after averaging 15 yards per reception during the regular season.Ĥ3. While he doesn't get nearly the volume of touches as McCaffrey, his uniquely powerful and demonstrative stride tends to take a toll on opposing teams over time.Ĥ2. The Chiefs, on the other hand, deploy second-year back Isiah Pacheco as their top rusher. The 49ers give McCaffrey a heavy workload, but they're also creative in distributing touches to Deebo Samuel, who's often used in motion near the line of scrimmage and consistently ranks among the NFL's best in yards gained after the catch.Ĥ1. Both teams finished in the top 10 this year in average time of possession, excelling at ball control thanks not only to their defense but rugged rushing attacks.Ĥ0. While Bosa has been quieter than usual off the edge, Warner and Greenlaw combine for a hard-hitting center of the unit, with former Chiefs cornerback Charvarius Ward excelling on the perimeter with a career-high 23 pass breakups and five picks.ģ9. The 49ers are just as, if not more, imposing on that side of the ball, building a reputation for suffocating contact. Kansas City's defense is also grounded by the aggressive back-end trio of cornerbacks L'Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie, plus safety Justin Reid, who've combined for 15 tackles for loss and 27 pass deflections, including playoffs.ģ8. The disruption starts up front on the Chiefs "D," where star defensive tackle Chris Jones and second-year pass rusher George Karlaftis have combined for 24 sacks and 54 QB hits, including playoffs.ģ7. Including the playoffs, during which their Steve Spagnuolo-led unit held the Ravens and Miami Dolphins to a combined 17 points, the Chiefs have allowed an average of just 294 yards per game - the best mark by the franchise since 1995.ģ6. More than at any other point in the Reid-Mahomes era, the Chiefs defense has helped propel K.C.'s title bid. 3 in scoring and has six regular starters, including pass rusher Nick Bosa, linebackers Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw and cornerback Charvarius Ward, who have previous Super Bowl experience.ģ5. 2-ranked "D" in yards and points allowed, while San Francisco finished No. Both teams also play fast, physical defense. Three combined starters - 49ers left tackle Trent Williams, Chiefs center Creed Humphrey and guard Joe Thuney - were Pro Bowl selections this year.ģ4. Both the Chiefs and 49ers also boast some of the NFL's top offensive linemen. endured weeks of frustrating drops and penalties by a younger receiving corps.ģ3. That's been particularly true late this year, after K.C. But Kelce has long been Mahomes' most consistent pass outlet, working the middle of the field as a virtually uncoverable big man. Past Chiefs teams have been characterized by their speed and explosiveness, utilizing deep threats like Tyreek Hill. He also has the second-most receiving yards (1,810) and TDs (19), trailing only the Hall of Famer Rice.ģ2. Kelce already has the most catches in NFL playoff history (156), passing 49ers legend Jerry Rice in K.C.'s AFC Championship win over the Ravens. At 34, Kelce is fresh off his eighth straight season with at least 900 receiving yards, and he has been even better in this year's playoffs, with 262 yards and three TDs in three games.ģ1. Meanwhile, in K.C., tight end Travis Kelce remains Mahomes' favorite weapon. He has been just as imposing in the playoffs, with 188 rushing yards and four scores in San Francisco's two wins.ģ0. McCaffrey, who joined the 49ers during the 2022 season via trade with the Panthers, has been an MVP candidate himself, leading the NFL with 2,023 total yards (1,459 rushing 564 receiving) and 21 touchdowns. Purdy was statistically the most efficient QB in the NFL this year, pacing all starters in yards per attempt (9.6) while finishing top-five in yards (4,280), TDs (31) and passer rating (113.0).Ģ9.
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