Here’s who national experts predict will win KC Chiefs at San Francisco 49ers game

Patrick Mahomes’ interception rate this season is the highest it’s been since he became the Chiefs’ starting quarterback, while his touchdown rate is the lowest. However, one person who thinks it’s too early to say Mahomes is having a bad season is 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan. The Chiefs will face San Francisco on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, and Shanahan dismissed the notion that Mahomes is struggling.

“I think everyone says ‘down year’ just because their numbers aren’t as crazy, but Pat is as good as it gets,” Shanahan told reporters. “He’s been as good as it gets since the first year he got to play. All their games, 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 where the Chiefs faced the 49ers, including Super Bowl LVIII in February. The question is, can the Niners get their revenge for that loss? Here’s what 72 experts are predicting for the Chiefs-49ers matchup.

The game kicks off at 3:25 p.m. and will air on Fox (Ch. 4).

Expert Predictions
Associated Press’ Rob Maaddi predicts a 26-24 victory for San Francisco. “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. The Chiefs (5-0) are unbeaten despite not playing their best football. The injury-ridden 49ers (3-3) have been inconsistent but still have the No. 2 passing offense with Brock Purdy and No. 3 rushing attack even without Christian McCaffrey. The Niners need this win more.”

Bill Bender from Sporting News predicts a 26-24 victory for the Chiefs. “The Chiefs will have a few new strategies around Mahomes in this Super Bowl rematch. If the run defense holds up—especially with Chris Jones’ impact on the interior—Kansas City will pull off another one-score win. Mahomes is 4-0 against the 49ers in his career.”

Jeremy Cluff from the Arizona Republic predicts a 24-23 win for San Francisco. “We hope this rematch is as exciting as the last Super Bowl meeting between these two teams. We expect it will be, with Brock Purdy and the 49ers seeking revenge.”

Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times predicts a 27-24 win for the Chiefs. “Both teams are rested. Andy Reid is 4-0 against Kyle Shanahan. Although the 49ers are slightly favored, it’s tough to pick against Mahomes and the defending champs in this matchup.”

Consensus Among Experts
CBS Sports: Six out of eight writers predict a Chiefs win.
NFL.com: Three out of five writers favor the Chiefs.
USA Today: Five out of seven writers go with Kansas City.
Pro Football Network: Three out of four predict a 49ers win.
Bleacher Report: Seven out of eight pick the Chiefs.
ESPN: Six out of eleven experts choose the 49ers.
Sports Illustrated: Three out of six favor San Francisco.
SB Nation: Five out of seven predict a Chiefs victory.
Pro Football Talk: Both writers predict a 27-24 win for Kansas City.
Despite some concerns about Mahomes’ numbers this season, the majority of experts still favor the Chiefs, citing Mahomes’ track record and Andy Reid’s post-bye success as key factors.