49ers vs. Chiefs: Top 5 things to watch for in preseason, Week 1

KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 16: Wide receiver Dexter McCluster #22 of the Kansas City Chiefs picks up a first down between defenders Craig Dahl #43 and Perrish Cox #20 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first half on August 16, 2013 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 16: Wide receiver Dexter McCluster #22 of the Kansas City Chiefs picks up a first down between defenders Craig Dahl #43 and Perrish Cox #20 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first half on August 16, 2013 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
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KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 16: Running back Jewel Hampton #33 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes against linebacker Frank Zombo #51 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half on August 16, 2013 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The 49ers won 15-13. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 16: Running back Jewel Hampton #33 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes against linebacker Frank Zombo #51 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half on August 16, 2013 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The 49ers won 15-13. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)

The San Francisco 49ers kick off their 2017 preseason campaign with a road bout versus the Kansas City Chiefs. Niner Noise lays out five things to watch during Friday’s game.

NFL preseason games typically offer just a brief moment of excitement before fans want regular-season action, but that’s not exactly the case for the San Francisco 49ers.

The Niners have already ushered in a new era. And fans of the red and gold will be able to witness some of these efforts in semi-real situations when San Francisco takes to the field in a somewhat meaningful contest.

The 49ers open their preseason with a road contest against the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday, August 11 at 9 p.m. ET from Arrowhead Stadium.

Niners general manager John Lynch already stated his starters will play a bit more than usual, which makes sense. There are new offensive and defensive schemes in place, and a number of the younger players need all the reps they can get.

Aside from the increased workload for the first team, what else should fans pay attention to on Friday?

Niner Noise breaks down five other aspects to be monitored as San Francisco gears up for its first preseason effort of 2017.

Schedule