On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs showed grit and resilience, extending their unbeaten streak to six games and opening the season with a 28-18 win. The San Francisco 49ers’ offense was held in check throughout the game by Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. Kansas City also overcame two Patrick Mahomes interceptions.
Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster left the game early with a hamstring injury, forcing Mahomes to get creative with his targets. Kareem Hunt reached the end zone twice and Xavier Worthy spent the day as the top receiver option. Travis Kelce didn’t have a big production game, but he made a difference with his presence and opened up more opportunities for receivers.
The defense kept one of the league’s best running backs this season to minimal effect all day. Brock Purdy struggled under pressure, forcing three interceptions.
The Chiefs were forced to dig deeper into their depth chart at wide receiver and in the secondary, and it was an all-around performance. They are expected to remain undefeated next week with a road game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8.
See how Kansas City’s stars performed in the Chiefs’ win over the 49ers.
Stock up: Kareem Hunt
SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 20: Kareem Hunt #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts after a second-quarter touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. . (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Hunt was also a consistent weapon in the run game, once again leading the team with 22 carries for 78 yards and two touchdowns.
Stock: Noah Gray
SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 20: No. 83 Noah Gray of the Kansas City Chiefs hits No. 6 Malik Mustafa of the San Francisco 49ers at No. 1 at Levi’s Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. Jump over the quarter. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
With all the attention on Travis Kelce and an injury to JuJu Smith-Schuster, Gray served as Patrick Mahomes’ primary target, gaining 66 yards on four catches.
Stock up: Justin Reid
SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 20: Kansas City Chiefs #20 Justin runs with an interception during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers on October 20, 2024 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.・Lead. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Reed secured a takeout with an interception in the first half, collected six tackles to lead the team, and worked to slow down the 49ers’ passing attack.
Stock: Mecole Hardman
Santa Clara, CA – October 20: Mecole Hardman #17 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the ball while being tackled by #6 Malik Mustafa of the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter 2024 October 20th, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Hardman loves playing against San Francisco and fired them up for another great performance on Sunday. He ran back a spectacular 55-yard punt return, caught a 17-yard pass and rushed for the game-clinching touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Stockdown: Skye Moore
October 7, 2024. Kansas City, Missouri, USA. Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Skye Moore, 24, drops a punt return during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Required Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Moore’s fight continues. He failed to make an impact on the rare occasions he held wide receivers or when he was targeted, going catchless and dropping passes that could have extended drives.
