All eyes will be on former All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey during the San Francisco 49ers’ Week 7 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. On Thursday night, the 49ers shocked the NFL by announcing that they had traded for McCaffrey from the Carolina Panthers.
In order to acquire him, San Francisco had to trade first, second, third, fourth, and fifth round selection picks. An wounded running back gets quite the package. However, he is currently healthy and a game-changer for any offensive. Elijah Mitchell, the starting tailback for the 49ers, had a sprained MCL in Week 1. He was put on injured reserve and could make a comeback early than midseason. Jeff Wilson Jr. was now the top running back after that. Wilson Jr. has filled in admirably, but his abilities are limited.
McCaffrey probably won’t be familiar enough with the playbook to play a significant part, despite According to early rumours, he will play in the red zone on Sunday. Red zone effectiveness is crucial anytime you play the Chiefs, especially when Patrick Mahomes is on the field.
Here are our 49ers Week 7 predictions for their contest with the Chiefs.
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4. 49ers rack up over 130 rush yards
It’s no secret that keeping Mahomes off the field is one strategy to defeat him. Running the football skillfully is the greatest approach to reach that objective. There is a plan, as I previously stated, for McCaffrey to take part. But in general, Wilson Jr. will play a significant role in this game.
The Chiefs defence has demonstrated recently that they are weak against the run. That was especially true following their 24–20 loss to the Buffalo Bills the previous week. Devin Singletary frequently gained significant yardage. On 17 carries, he gained five yards each for a total of 85 yards rushing.
Devin Singletary is RB1 #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/I5TkQnPi8l
— Air Raid | Buffalo Bills (@TheBillsGuys) October 19, 2022
If we don’t see something similar from the 49ers on Sunday, I’d be extremely surprised. Wilson Jr. ought to produce anything. However, with McCaffrey still largely outside the group, expect Deebo Samuel to have a significant influence on the ground as well. Trent Williams, a potential Hall of Fame left tackle, might be a significant factor.
Williams’ ankle issue has kept him out of the last few games. He resumed practising this week and currently rates as doubtful. The offensive line of the 49ers would benefit greatly from that.
3. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs offense struggles at times again
The Chiefs have scored the most points in the NFL thus far. That leads many people to believe that Tyreek Hill’s absence has had no impact on this offence. They would be utterly mistaken. This year, Mahomes has done a terrific job of realising that 90-second drives and fast strikes are obsolete.
He has repeatedly demonstrated a desire to move down the field slowly. Nobody is deeply frightened by Mecole Hardman and JuJu Smith-Schuster. However, when the Chiefs offensive shifts to more 12- or 14-play drives, it increases the likelihood that those drives will stall.
It happened against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2 of that season. Up until Justin Herbert threw a 99-yard interception that was returned for a score, the Chiefs were restricted to 20 points in that game at home. Last week, the Bills’ defence limited the Chiefs to 20 points.
When healthy, the 49ers defence could be the greatest in the NFL. Of course, they are not yet in a state of complete health. Nevertheless, the situation is improving.
Nick Bosa, a pro bowl edge rusher, is working out and could participate. DB Jimmie Ward, RT Mike McGlinchey, and DL Samson Ebukam all had limited participation in practise this week. Since they weren’t available last week, this is encouraging.
2. 49ers TE George Kittle finds the end zone
This year, the Chiefs have occasionally been vulnerable to tight ends breaking free. George Kittle had just played his greatest game of the season prior to that. In the previous week’s loss against the Atlanta Falcons, Kittle caught eight of ten targets for a total of 83 yards.
On the outside, the Chiefs’ defence is improving. Jimmy Garoppolo will find it challenging as a result outside the numbers. So anticipate seeing him at work between the hashes where Kittle is employed. Trent Williams is expected to return, so the Pro Bowl tight end won’t need to stay in to block as much.
I estimate that he catches 5-7 passes for around 60 yards and a touchdown.
1. San Francisco gets revenge, beats Kansas City
Many of the players on this 49ers squad were part of the squad when they fell to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl a few years ago. Sporters have excellent memory. This week at home, the 49ers will be inspired. The McCaffrey trade has rejuvenated them. At the perfect time, they are becoming lot healthier.
Expect them to pull off the unexpected win, 26-23.
San Francisco 49ers: 4 audacious predictions for Week 7 matchup vs. Chiefs first appeared on ClutchPoints.
