For the Chiefs, the 2024 season has proceeded more or less according to plan. Kansas City has rolled to a 5-0 start on the back of a 26-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints before a bye in Week 6. The Chiefs have had their issues, falling behind in the first quarter in four of their five games thus far, but between a sturdy defense and a versatile offense spearheaded by Patrick Mahomes, the defending champions have manufactured 11 consecutive victories (a run going back to 2023’s Week 17).

San Francisco hasn’t had the same success, with a 3-3 record reflecting some inconsistency. Despite boasting a defense that has produced 16 turnovers thus far this season, the 49ers have coughed up 19 or more points in five games, forcing an offense missing star running back Christian McCaffrey to put up big scores to secure wins.