Whether or not that actually plays out remains to be seen. One thing for certain is these two teams have been the hottest ones going as they breezed through both of their playoff games when the final score was posted.
The Chiefs can score from anywhere at any time and quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been on fire this post-season, throwing for eight touchdowns and no interceptions as the Chiefs have racked up 86 points in the two games. Along with Mahomes is tight end Travis Kelce (13 receptions and three TD receptions in playoffs) and wide receivers Tyreek Hill (two receiving TD) and Sammy Watkins (one TD) providing the air attack while running back Damien Williams has scored three rushing touchdowns in the playoffs.
Defensively, Kansas City has been challenged all season, but has been decent in the playoffs when it matters most. They allowed the Houston Texans to get out to a big lead in the divisional round before the defense stiffened en route to a comeback victory in blowout fashion, winning the game, 51-31.
In the AFC Championship, they held Tennessee super running back Derrick Henry in check and for the playoffs, the Chiefs are only giving up an average of 89.5 rushing yards per game. The pass defense gives up some yardage (279 yards per game) but overall they only allowed eight second half points to Houston and 24 for the game against the Titans.
The San Francisco 49ers have been relying on the run game in these playoffs and smashed the Green Bay Packers, 37-20 in the NFC title game as running back Raheem Mostert went off for 220 yards and four rushing touchdowns in the rout. The 'Niners also feature Matt Breida and Tevin Coleman (limited in practice with a shoulder injury) in their backfield, which has averaged 235.5 yards per game in the two playoff victories.
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo hasn't been asked to do much in the passing game so far this post-season, having thrown only 27 passes (17 completions) for just 208 yards with one TD pass and one interception in the two games. Heck, K.C. quarterback Patrick Mahomes throws for that much yardage in one half of football on some days.
But the 49ers haven't had to throw the ball much because their running game has been so dominant and they get a big lead and play ball control offense the rest of the way. When Jimmy G does throw the ball, his targets include tight end George Kittle and wideouts Emmanuel Sanders and Deebo Samuel, along with Coleman or Mostert out of the backfield.
Defensively, the 49ers are superb so far in the playoffs and they led the league in pass defense in the regular season as they allowed 169.2 yards per game. They were second overall in total defense, allowing 282 yards per game. In the playoffs, they have given up 211 passing yards per game and just a meager 41.5 yards rushing per game.
Look for a very competitive game this Sunday with the Chiefs looking to avoid the slow starts they had the first two games of the playoffs when they fell behind by double digits before storming back to win by double digits. Meanwhile, the 49ers would love to continue their winning ways by getting out to a lead and then letting their ground game and defense do the rest to get the win.
As long as the Chiefs provide pass protection for Mahomes and his targets get open, then the Chiefs will put up some points on the San Francisco defense. But the 'Niners can get after opposing quarterbacks (NFL best 59 QB sacks) and they have a great secondary, led by veteran Richard Sherman, who has picked off passes in both playoff victories. Mahomes is a very mobile quarterback, so that will be a factor as well.
There's a reason this game is a close one according to the odds makers (Kansas City is a 1 or 1 1/2 point favorite depending on whichever pick you look at), so this game should go down to the wire and could be decided by a late field goal in which case both teams have very reliable kickers. Another x-factor could be Kansas City return men Mecole Hardman and Tyreek Hill. Either one could take it back for a touchdown and the 49ers will be ready to make sure that doesn't happen.
PREDICTION - Kansas City 27, San Francisco 24
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