Patrick Mahomes’ interception percentage this season is the highest it’s been since he became the Chiefs starting quarterback, while his touchdown percentage is the lowest.
One person who thinks it’s premature to say Mahomes is having a bad season is 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan. The Chiefs play San Francisco on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, and Shanahan dismissed talk of Mahomes struggling.
“I think everyone says ‘down year’ just because their numbers aren’t just crazy, but Pat is as good as it get s,” Shanahan told reporters. “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.”
Shanahan has seen Mahomes at his best in two Super Bowls the Chiefs won against the 49ers. That includes Super Bowl LVIII in February.
Can the Niners get revenge for that loss? Here is who 72 experts are picking in the Chiefs-49ers contest. Kickoff is at 3:25 p.m. and the game airs on Fox (Ch. 4).
A 26-24 San Francisco victory is the prediction from the Associated Press’ Rob Maaddi. Here is what he wrote: “Chiefs coach Andy Reid is 21-4 coming off a bye in his career; 13-1 in Philadelphia and 8-3 in Kansas City. One of those losses came last year when the Eagles beat the Chiefs in Kansas City in a Super Bowl rematch. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs (5-0) are unbeaten while playing far less than their best ball. The injury-filled 49ers (3-3) have been up and down so far. Still, they have the No. 2 pass offense behind Brock Purdy and No. 3 run offense despite missing Christian McCaffrey. Super Bowl champions are 6-3 in rematches the following season. The Niners need this one more.”
A 26-24 Chiefs victory is the prediction from the Sporting News’ Bill Bender. This is from his story: “The Chiefs will have a few wrinkles around Patrick Mahomes in this Super Bowl rematch. If the run defense holds — and it should given Chris Jones’ impact on the interior — then Kansas City will win in one-score fashion yet again. Mahomes is 4-0 in his career against the 49ers.”
San Francisco will win 24-23 , says the Arizona Republic’s Jeremy Cluff. Here is an excerpt from his story: We can only hope this rematch is as interesting as the last game between these two teams, the Super Bowl. We think it will be with Brock Purdy and the 49ers getting some revenge.”
A 27-24 Chiefs victory is the prediction from Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times. This is a passage from his story: “Both teams are rested. Andy Reid is 4-0 against Kyle Shanahan. Although the 49ers are slightly favored, it’s hard to pick against Patrick Mahomes and the defending champs in this matchup.”
The Chiefs are the choice for six of eight writers at CBS Sports: Pete Prisco, Will Brinson, Ryan Wilson, Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg and John Breech. Picking San Francisco are Jared Dubin and Tyler Sullivan. Prisco predicted a 27-23 score . Here is part of what he wrote: “The 49ers have been struggling on defense, which isn’t a good thing against Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs are playing well on defense. That carries over as they win a tough road game.”
Going with the Chiefs are three of five writers at NFL.com: Dan Parr (27-23 final score), Gennaro Filice (25-22) and Tom Blair (27-24). Taking the Niners are Ali Bhanpuri (23-20) and Brooke Cersosimo (26-23). Here is part of what Filice wrote: “Yes, I’m adorably forecasting a 25-22 final. Why torment 49er Faithful with that particular score in this particular matchup? Because my feeling before this Super Bowl rematch is exactly the same as my feeling prior to last season’s actual Lombardi game: I fear picking against San Francisco’s Chief tormentor. Patrick Mahomes was a slight underdog in February, too, but that obviously didn’t stop him from improving to 4-0 against the 49ers.”
Picking the Chiefs are five of seven USA Today writers: Jarrett Bell (24-23 final score), Nate Davis (31-27), Tyler Dragon (23-20), Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (21-17) and Lorenzo Reyes (23-21). Going with the Niners are Chris Bumbaca (22-19) and Richard Morin (27-25). This is what Mendoza wrote : “These guys are just due for a huge win, aren’t they? Despite the 3-3 record, Brock Purdy looks at the top of his game and leads San Francisco to a statement victory over the unbeaten Chiefs.”
The 49ers are the choice for three of four Pro Football Network writers: David Bearman, Adam Beasley and Dallas Robinson. Taking the Chiefs: Kyle Soppe. This is an excerpt from Soppe’s story: “This season, the Chiefs have the fourth-best second-half point differential (+31), while the 49ers rank 27th (-21). In a game we expect to be tight, one of these teams has proven much more trustworthy down the stretch than the other.”
Seven of the eight Bleacher Report writers picked the Chiefs: Gary Davenport, Kris Knox, Maurice Moton, Brad Gagnon, Ian Hanford, Brent Sobleski and Vince Michelino. A 49ers win is the choice for Wes O’Donnell. This is part of what Michelino wrote: “There are a few significant factors to consider here. Patrick Mahomes is 10-3 straight up as an underdog in his career (and 12-1-1 ATS), and Andy Reid-led teams are historically great coming off the bye, with an impressive 21-4 record. Out of desperation, the Chiefs have turned back the clock on offense with Hunt emerging as RB1 and Smith-Schuster leading in receiving yards when we last saw them. Kansas City still boasts an excellent defense, especially against the run, which should neutralize Shanahan’s run schemes, especially with a banged-up (Jordan) Mason.”
The 49ers are the pick for six of 11 ESPN experts: Stephania Bell, Mike Clay, Kimberly Martin, Moses Moody, Lindsey Thiry and Seth Wickersham. Going with the Chiefs are Matt Bowen, Dan Graziano, Jeremy Fowler, Kalyn Kahler, Jason Reid.
Picking the Chiefs are three of six Sports Illustrated writers: Mitch Goldich, Gilberto Manzano and Matt Verderame. Taking San Fran are Albert Breer, Connor Orr and John Pluym.
The Chiefs are the choice for five of seven SB Nation writers: James Dator, David Fucillo, Jeanna Kelly, Brandon Lee Bowton and Jared Mueller. Taking the Niners are JP Acosta and Matt Warren.
The Chiefs will win 27-24 , say both Pro Football Talk writers: Mike Florio and Chris Simms.
The Chiefs will win , say seven of 10 Dallas Morning-News members: Tim Cowlishaw, Joey Hayden, Damon Marx, Abraham Nudelstejer, Newy Scruggs, Kevin Sherrington and Calvin Watkins. Picking the Niners are Dana Larson, Craig Miller and David Moore.
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