When the San Francisco 49ers faced the Kansas City Chiefs, every snap mattered. This quarterback duel between Patrick Mahomes and Brock Purdy delivered explosive plays, momentum shifts, and crucial turnovers.
From Christian McCaffrey’s ground game to Travis Kelce’s receiving prowess, we break down every stat that shaped this epic matchup. Let’s dive into the head-to-head numbers, red zone efficiency, and game-changing moments that defined this clash between Super Bowl contenders.
Quarterback Showdown: Mahomes vs Purdy Stats Comparison
Head-to-Head Passing Numbers
The battle between Patrick Mahomes and Brock Purdy lived up to the hype. Mahomes completed 22 of 34 attempts for 285 passing yards. He threw two touchdowns but also had one costly interception. His passer rating hit 105.3, with a QBR of 70.5.
Purdy stayed ice-cold under pressure. He went 19 for 27, throwing for 230 yards and one touchdown. More importantly, he kept a clean sheet with zero interceptions. His 98.4 passer rating and 62.0 QBR showed smart decision-making all game long.
Performance Under Pressure
When defenses brought the blitz, both quarterbacks showed their true colors. Mahomes usually thrives against pressure, averaging over 6 yards per attempt. But Nick Bosa and the 49ers’ pass rush held him to just 5.5 yards. That’s a huge win for San Francisco’s defensive line.
Purdy escaped sacks on 80% of blitz attempts. He converted two crucial third-and-long situations when it mattered most. This clutch performance kept drives alive and the Niners in the game.
Fourth Quarter Efficiency
The final frame separated good from great. Mahomes pushed the Chiefs forward with a 75% completion rate in the fourth. Purdy matched him step for step, completing 8 of 10 passes. Neither quarterback blinked when the game was on the line.
Running Game Analysis: McCaffrey vs Pacheco Battle
Yards Per Carry Breakdown
Christian McCaffrey dominated the ground game with 95 yards on 18 carries. That’s 5.3 yards per carry, plus a touchdown. His ability to find gaps made the difference in time of possession.
Isiah Pacheco countered with 60 yards on 14 attempts, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. He punched in a crucial short-yardage touchdown that shifted momentum Kansas City’s way.
Red Zone Rush Attempts
Inside the 20-yard line, both teams leaned on their backs. McCaffrey got 5 red zone carries, converting one for six points. Pacheco saw 4 attempts near the goal line, also scoring once. The battle in close stayed dead even.
Impact on Time of Possession
The rushing attack directly affected clock control. San Francisco held the ball for 29:15, while Kansas City controlled it for 30:45. Those extra 90 seconds came from Pacheco’s consistent gains on first down.
Receiving Corps Performance: Kelce, Aiyuk & Samuel Stats
Target Share Distribution
Travis Kelce remained Mahomes’ favorite weapon. He saw 8 targets, catching 6 for 85 yards and a touchdown. His 35 yards after catch (YAC) proved his value beyond just receptions.
For the 49ers, targets spread evenly. Brandon Aiyuk grabbed 5 catches on 7 targets for 60 yards. Deebo Samuel added 4 receptions on 6 targets, including a spectacular touchdown for 55 yards total.
Yards After Catch (YAC) Leaders
Kelce led all players with 35 YAC. Rashee Rice surprised everyone with 28 YAC on just 4 catches. Samuel’s 22 YAC and Aiyuk’s 18 showed the Niners’ ability to create after the catch.
Third Down Reception Success
On third downs, receivers became difference-makers. Kelce converted 3 of 4 third-down targets. Aiyuk matched that with 3 conversions. These clutch catches kept drives alive and defenses honest.
Defensive Stars: Bosa vs Jones Impact Metrics
Pass Rush Win Rate
Chris Jones wreaked havoc all game long. He recorded 2 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, and 4 QB hurries. His interior pressure forced Purdy into quick decisions.
Nick Bosa answered with 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss, and 3 hurries. While his numbers seem lower, his consistent pressure affected Mahomes’ timing throughout.
Tackles for Loss Comparison
The Chiefs’ defense combined for 7 tackles for loss. The 49ers managed 5. Those negative plays killed drives and flipped field position repeatedly.
QB Pressure Statistics
Total pressures told the real story. Kansas City generated 12 pressures on Purdy. San Francisco got to Mahomes 9 times. That pressure differential helped the Chiefs’ secondary make plays downfield.
Turnover Differential: The Game-Changing Factor
Forced Fumbles & Interceptions
Turnovers decided this game. The Chiefs forced one interception and recovered a fumble by Melvin Ingram. The 49ers? Zero turnovers created. That’s a massive swing in any close game.
Points Off Turnovers
Kansas City turned those two turnovers into 7 points. In a game this tight, those points proved absolutely critical. The Niners’ inability to create turnovers cost them dearly.
Field Position Impact
Each turnover gave Kansas City prime field position. They started one drive at the 49ers’ 35-yard line. Another began at midfield. Short fields mean easier scores, and the Chiefs capitalized.
Special Teams: Hidden Yardage That Mattered
Field Goal Success Rate
Harrison Butker stayed perfect under pressure, hitting all 3 field goals. His longest came from 48 yards out. Jake Moody matched him, going 2 for 2 with a long of 45 yards.
Punt Return Average
The Chiefs averaged 12.5 yards per punt return. San Francisco managed just 8.2 yards. Those extra 4 yards per return added up over the game.
Starting Field Position Analysis
Kansas City’s average starting position was their own 32-yard line. The 49ers started at their 28. That 4-yard difference meant longer fields and tougher third downs for San Francisco.
Red Zone Efficiency: Touchdowns vs Field Goals
Scoring Percentage Inside 20
The 49ers converted 66% of red zone trips into touchdowns. Kansas City scored touchdowns on 60% of their chances. Both teams showed they could punch it in when it mattered.
Goal Line Conversion Rate
From the 5-yard line and closer, both teams went 2 for 3. Neither defense could consistently stop the run at the goal line.
Play-Calling Tendencies
Inside the red zone, Kansas City ran on 55% of plays. San Francisco stayed balanced at exactly 50-50. The Chiefs’ run-heavy approach wore down the 49ers’ front seven late.
Critical Moments: Fourth Down & Two-Minute Drill Stats
Fourth Down Conversion Success
Kansas City attempted two fourth-down conversions, succeeding once. That conversion by Rashee Rice sparked a touchdown drive. San Francisco tried one fourth down and failed, ending a promising drive.
Clutch Third Down Performance
The Chiefs converted 45% of third downs. The 49ers hit 48%. In a game this close, those three percentage points mattered less than when they converted.
Final Drive Execution
With two minutes left before halftime, both teams scored. The 49ers punched in a touchdown. Kansas City settled for a field goal. San Francisco’s two-minute offense looked sharper early on.
Offensive Line vs Defensive Front: Trench Warfare Stats
Pass Block Win Rate
The 49ers’ offensive line won 78% of pass-blocking snaps. Kansas City’s line won 72%. That difference gave Purdy cleaner pockets and more time to find receivers.
Run Block Success
San Francisco created 4 runs of 8+ yards before contact. The Chiefs managed just 2. Better blocking meant bigger holes for McCaffrey to exploit.
Sacks & Pressures Allowed
Kansas City allowed sacks on 7% of dropbacks. The 49ers gave up sacks on just 5%. Small margins, but they add up over 60 minutes of football.
Coaching Impact: Play-Calling & Halftime Adjustments
Run vs Pass Ratio
The Chiefs called passes 52% of the time. San Francisco ran on 55% of plays. The 49ers’ commitment to the run controlled the clock but limited explosive plays.
Second Half Statistical Changes
After halftime, everything changed. Kansas City outgained San Francisco 140 yards to 120. The Chiefs made key adjustments that the 49ers couldn’t match.
Aggressive Decision Analytics
Andy Reid’s aggressive fourth-down calls paid off. Kyle Shanahan played it safer, and it cost him. Sometimes fortune favors the bold, and it did for Kansas City.
Frequently Asked Questions About 49ers vs Chiefs Stats
Who Had Better Overall QB Stats: Mahomes or Purdy?
Mahomes posted better numbers with 285 yards and 2 touchdowns. But Purdy’s zero interceptions and efficiency on third downs kept it close. Mahomes edges it, but barely.
Which Running Back Won the Statistical Battle?
McCaffrey’s 95 yards beat Pacheco’s 60. But both scored touchdowns when their teams needed them. CMC takes this round on pure yardage.
How Did Turnovers Impact the Final Score?
The Chiefs’ 2 turnovers led to 7 points. The 49ers created none. That’s a potential 14-point swing that defined the outcome.
What Were the Key Third Down Conversion Rates?
Kansas City converted 45%, San Francisco hit 48%. The real difference came in the fourth quarter, where the Chiefs went 3 for 4.
Did Special Teams Determine Field Position Advantage?
Yes. The Chiefs’ superior punt returns and coverage units gave them better starting position throughout the game.
Conclusion
The 49ers vs Kansas City Chiefs matchup delivered everything fans wanted. Mahomes outdueled Purdy statistically, while McCaffrey dominated Pacheco on the ground. But turnovers and special teams tilted this chess match toward Kansas City.
Chris Jones’ defensive dominance and Travis Kelce’s reliability proved why the Chiefs remain Super Bowl favorites. For San Francisco, fixing second-half execution and creating turnovers will determine their playoff success. This game showed both teams have championship DNA—the margin between them remains razor-thin.
