49ers vs. Chiefs: Breaking down all the Super Bowl matchups
MIAMI — All the hype will come to a close Sunday evening and the actual game at Super Bowl 2020 will be played.
The Chiefs and 49ers have done enough talking. Now, they get to play.
This feels like a good matchup between one of the best players in the NFL — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes — and one of best defenses in the game — the 49ers. Though that is the marquee matchup in this game, there are plenty of other interesting battles that will take place all over the field and between the coaches wearing headsets.
The matchups
Chiefs pass offense vs. 49ers pass defense
This is the matchup everyone has been waiting for. It is strength against strength. Mahomes did not put up the eye-popping numbers that he did a year ago when he won MVP, but he was still very impressive. He completed 65.9 percent of his passes for 4,031 yards, 26 touchdowns and five interceptions. The Chiefs had the No. 5 passing offense in the NFL, and the offensive line kept Mahomes clean — allowing just 25 sacks, tied for third-fewest in the NFL.
Not only is Mahomes great, he has a ton of weapons around him. Tight end Travis Kelce went more than 1,000 yards again this season, catching 97 passes for 1,229 yards and five touchdowns. Tyreek Hill (58-860-7) and Sammy Watkins (52-673-3) are game-breakers.
The 49ers counter with the No. 1 pass defense in the NFL, allowing just 169.2 yards per game through the air. San Francisco has a fierce pass rush led by rookie Nick Bosa (nine sacks) and Arik Armstead (10). On the backend, Richard Sherman is still one of the game’s best cornerbacks.
Edge: Chiefs
Chiefs run offense vs. 49ers run defense
The Chiefs are a pass-heavy team that relies on Mahomes’ arm, but they have gotten some productivity from running backs Damien Williams (111 rushes, 498 yards, five touchdowns) and LeSean McCoy (101-465-4). Mahomes can also do damage when he takes off running.
You would think the 49ers defense would have been better against the run this year with all of those first-round draft picks on the defensive line, but they allowed 112.6 yards per game (17th in the NFL). They gave up 100 yards rushing in 12 of their 16 regular-season games. San Francisco has been better lately, though. Two of their best performances against the run this season have come in the playoffs. The Vikings had 21 yards rushing and the Packers had just 62.
Edge: 49ers
49ers pass offense vs. Chiefs pass defense
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has only been needed in a supporting role during the playoffs as San Francisco’s run game has led the way. But Garoppolo’s regular season should not be overlooked. He threw for 3,978 yards, 27 touchdowns with 13 interceptions on 69.1 percent passing. Tight end George Kittle is the 49ers’ best weapon in the passing game. He caught 85 passes for 1,053 yards and five touchdowns this year and is a matchup nightmare for defenses.
Kansas City was the eighth-best passing defense in the NFL this year. They are led on the back end by do-it-all safety Tyrann Mathieu, who lines up all over the field. Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo could decide to use Mathieu to try to take away Kittle. Kansas City has been strong against tight ends this season.
Chris Jones (nine sacks) and Frank Clark (eight) lead the pass rush for the Chiefs and could get to Garoppolo.
Edge: Chiefs
49ers run offense vs. Chiefs run defense
The 49ers had the No. 2 rushing offense in the NFL thanks to a committee of running backs, a strong offensive line and the creative play-calling of coach Kyle Shanahan. San Francisco averaged 144.1 yards per game on the ground and had an NFL-best 23 rushing touchdowns.
The star of the NFC Championship game and one of the darlings of Super Bowl week was Raheem Mostert, a journeyman who rushed for 220 yards and four touchdowns in the win over the Packers. But Mostert is not the only back the Chiefs have to be ready for. Tevin Coleman (137 rushes, 544 yards, six TDs) and Matt Breida (123-623-1) will see time, too.
Stopping the run was a weakness for the Chiefs for most of this season, but they have improved dramatically lately. In the AFC Championship game, they stopped Titans star Derrick Henry (69 yards, one TD), who had looked unstoppable. This is a different challenge for the Chiefs. Henry ran downhill and up the middle. The 49ers have speed and can get to the edge.
Edge: 49ers
Special Teams
The Chiefs have one of the most respected special teams coordinators in football in Dave Toub. Rookie returner Mecole Hardman is a huge weapon, averaging 26.1 yards per kick return this season with one touchdown. Harrison Butker missed four field goals in 38 attempts. The 49ers have a veteran kicker in Robbie Gould, who missed eight field goal attempts this season, but four were 50 yards or more.
Edge: Chiefs
Coaching
This game features two of the best offensive minds in the NFL. Andy Reid has the sixth-most wins in NFL history and consistently has his teams in the playoffs. The only thing left for Reid is that elusive Super Bowl title. Kyle Shanahan is 21 years younger than Reid. He may soon replace Reid as the best offensive mind in the game. His creativity in the run game sets him apart from many of his peers. Still, the old master may have something to teach him in this game.
Edge: Chiefs
Intangibles
The Chiefs went through the disappointment of getting close to the Super Bowl last year then falling short. It was clear when they lost in the AFC title game a year ago that the Super Bowl was a realistic goal this season. The 49ers were more of a surprise team who may be ready to start a long run of success. San Francisco may just be happy to be here. The Chiefs have been thinking about this game for a year.
Edge: Chiefs
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