Niner Noise
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49ers vs. Chiefs: 5 most important players for San Francisco in Week 3

By Peter Panacy

KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 16: Defensive back Brandon Flowers #24 of the Kansas City Chiefs tackles running back LaMichael James #23 of the San Francisco 49ers for a loss 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: Defensive back Brandon Flowers #24 of the Kansas City Chiefs tackles running back LaMichael James #23 of the San Francisco 49ers for a loss 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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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers fights off the tackle of Quandre Diggs #28 of the Detroit Lions during the second quarter of their NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers fights off the tackle of Quandre Diggs #28 of the Detroit Lions during the second quarter of their NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Tight End George Kittle

Much of this is predicated on whether or not wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (quad) is cleared for Sunday’s contest. If he’s good to go, Goodwin’s speed should help open up Kansas City’s questionable defense, which has allowed the most yardage out of any in the league through two weeks.

Goodwin has been unavailable aside from a few snaps back in Week 1. Either way, the Niners would benefit from the budding chemistry between quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and second-year tight end George Kittle in this contest.

As broken down on this Niner Noise Week 3 preview, Kittle’s pending matchup with Chiefs linebacker Terrance Smith should be one head coach Kyle Shanahan looks to exploit:

"According to PFF, Smith’s pass-coverage grade has been a lowly 35.0 — by far the worst out of the Chiefs’ starting trio of linebackers. Granted, one might expect the Chiefs to drop down a safety, or two, to help Smith against his forecasted matchup versus Kittle. But if Goodwin is good to go for Sunday, his speed likely negates that luxury."

Kittle has emerged as Garoppolo’s favorite target over two games this season, leading the offense with seven receptions for 112 yards and drawing multiple defensive penalties.

There’s no reason to change the formula right now, particularly if the matchup is there for the taking.