One game may not define an NFL team’s entire season, but some matchups carry more weight than others.
For the San Francisco 49ers, who lead the NFC West despite a 3-3 record, their upcoming clash against the Kansas City Chiefs holds extra significance.
Regardless of the outcome, the 49ers have plenty of challenges to address as the season progresses.
However, when it comes to a highly anticipated Super Bowl rematch like this one, the stakes feel even higher for players and fans. And it’s clear that Sunday’s game between the 49ers and Chiefs fits that bill.
San Francisco linebacker Fred Warner spoke about Sunday’s showdown during an appearance on “Murph and Marcus” on KNBR 680.
Warner, eager to face Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the reigning two-time Super Bowl champions, admitted he’s feeling particularly motivated for this rematch.
“The Chiefs are undefeated this year and still at the top of their game and they’ve still got 15 back there and I have yet to beat them,” Warner said. “I think I played against him maybe four times now and have let to beat him, so I think it’s an important game for us to try and get over the hump and get this win.”
Warner’s frustration with his 0-4 record against Mahomes is justified. Kansas City bested San Francisco in regular-season matchups in 2018 and 2022, but more notably, they ended Warner’s Super Bowl hopes twice.
Sunday presents a prime opportunity for the 49ers to course-correct and solidify their place among the NFL’s elite teams. A win over the Chiefs would be a significant step forward, and for Warner, it would serve as a long-awaited victory over a formidable rival.
Despite the rivalry, there is a clear mutual respect between the two teams. Notably, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke glowingly about 49ers quarterback rock Purdy.
“Steve Spagnuolo, who’s arguably the best defensive coordinator in the NFL, on Brock Purdy: “I can’t find a weakness in this QB,” 49ers reporter David Lombardi posted on X.
Coming from one of the top defensive minds in the NFL, this endorsement speaks volumes.
While it may seem like high praise, Purdy has continued to prove himself this season. Through six games, he’s thrown for 1,629 yards, nine touchdowns, and four interceptions, positioning him to surpass last season’s 4,280-yard performance, his first full season in the league.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid echoed similar sentiments about Purdy, recalling his college days at Iowa State.
“I think he’s a heck of a player,” Reid said. “I remember the head coach at Iowa State (Matt Campbell) saying, “This guy changed the program around.” And when you make a statement like that – and he’s a good football coach – that’s bold. And we all see why he said it. He was right on with that. This kid, he’s a heck of a football player.”
In last season’s Super Bowl, Purdy helped the 49ers push the game into overtime with a solid performance, completing 23 of 38 passes for 255 yards and a touchdown. Despite the effort, the Chiefs won 25-22, thanks to a game-winning pass from Patrick Mahomes.
Reflecting on the upcoming matchup, Mahomes acknowledged the significance of the game: “I think it’s as big of a regular-season game as you can play in,” he said. “But I mean, they’re a great football team, and I always like going against the best, and that’s what we’re going against this week.
“We understand that it’s going to take our best to win. You just have to have extreme focus. I think when you have two great football teams that meet up in the Super Bowl and meet up in all these big games, there’s going to be a history between that. We know how good this football team is and we have a ton of respect for them.”
From the 49ers’ perspective, facing Mahomes is no easy task.
Regarded by most as the best quarterback in the NFL, Mahomes commands respect. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, while acknowledging that Kansas City’s numbers may not be as high this year, warned against underestimating Mahomes.
“I think everyone says down-year just because their numbers aren’t just crazy, but Pat is as good as it gets,” Shanahan said. “He’s been as good as it gets since the first year that he got to play. All their games, I think except for one, have come down to the last possession and he’s as good as anyone in that last possession.
“Their running numbers aren’t quite what they were last year. Their red zone isn’t real high. So I think that equates to numbers, but Pat is Pat and he’s as good as it gets and I don’t see that changing at all.”
While the Lombardi Trophy isn’t on the line Sunday, the stakes are still high.
What’s your take on the matchup? … Will the Niners get a sliver of revenge?
More importantly, will we see these two square up again in February???