Chiefs-49ers: 5 things we learned in Week 7's Super Bowl rematch

After the bye week, that Kansas City Chiefs traveled to the Bay Area for hers Super Bowl LVIII rematch against the San Francisco 49ers – where the Chiefs made a statement by controlling the line of scrimmage over the course of a compelling game 28:18 away win That increased their record to 6-0. Although both teams were shorthanded Sunday afternoon, it was Kansas City that found a way to get the job done.

Here are five things we learned.

1. Steve Spagnuolo should move to Canton now

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Already in February, The 33rd team 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was ranked the NFL's best offensive player and called him the “gold standard.” It said: “Every team wishes their offense was as creative, explosive and difficult to defend as Shanahan’s.”

But on Sunday, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo had no trouble shutting down the league's golden boy. Kansas City harassed 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy all afternoon, intercepting three of his passes and fending off six more. The Chiefs also held San Francisco starting running back Jordan Mason to 58 yards on 14 carries.

Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes also had a rough day at work, throwing for just 154 yards on 27 attempts and two interceptions. But there was a difference: When the Chiefs' offense faltered (or turned the ball over), there was confidence that the defense would stop San Francisco. Before Sunday, the 49ers offense recorded just six three-pointers. The Chiefs added three more.

Spagnuolo is one of the greatest defensive players of all time. Sunday was another tour de force from the Maestro of Menace, who is 4-0 against Shanahan and the 49ers (including two Super Bowl victories) since being named Kansas City's defensive coordinator in 2019.

2. The Chiefs are a running team (for now).

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They do everything to win the game. And when Juju Smith-Schuester left the game with a hamstring injury, head coach Andy Reid switched to a ball-control offense, running the ball 39 times for 184 yards four touchdowns.

Kareem Hunt was once again the offensive star – he reached the end zone twice – but it was Mahomes who finally plunged the dagger into the heart of the San Francisco defense with a career-long 33-yard run followed by a one-yard touchdown . On that play, he unloaded the truck stick on 49ers safety Malik Mustapha, demonstrating the power of the Dad Bod.

Just as I predicted in the Arrowhead Pride Premier newsletter last week, Mahomes' legs proved to be the key to Kansas City's victory. And as long as injuries continue to plague the Chiefs' pass catchers, expect more games like this.

3. The Chiefs have to decide on a wide receiver

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Three of Kansas City's top four wide receivers are out with injuries – and while Juju Smith-Schuster's hamstring injury isn't expected to be serious, it's the type of injury that will keep a player sidelined for an extended period of time than initially expected.

There's no way around it now: the Chiefs desperate I need another offensive weapon. Mecole Hardman had some nice moments in this game and rookie Xavier Worthy did his best to pick up the slack. But just the fact that Skyy Moore was on the field — where he dropped his first throw of the season — tells you everything you need to know about the state of the team's wideouts.

The trade deadline is November 5th. The Chiefs need reinforcements for the second half of the season – and the playoffs.

4. Jaylen Watson's injury sucks

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After the game, Reid said he expects cornerback Jaylen Watson — who was seen on crutches after the game — to miss extended playing time.

“I mean, we'll see what the MRI says,” the head coach told reporters, “but I don't think it'll be good news.”

Watson has gotten stronger in 2024 and has performed well as an outside corner opposite Trent McDuffie – and while the Chiefs have good depth in the secondary, his loss is a major blow to what has so far been a very well-oiled, smooth-running machine.

When a defense is playing so well, you don't want to mess with the moving pieces.

5. The Chiefs have a chance to lead the table

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Sunday's game against the 49ers should be one of the biggest tests for Kansas City this season. But the Chiefs controlled the contest from start to finish and showed that even after a loss, they still have what it takes to defeat a San Francisco team that took them to overtime in the Super Bowl.

At 6-0, Kansas City is the NFL's last undefeated team. There are still five important division games on the program, as well as matches against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans. But with wins over the 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens, it's safe to assume the Chiefs have a chance to finish the regular season undefeated in their quest to go three-peat.