49ers vs. Chiefs: Week 3 preview for San Francisco

49ers X-factors and players to watch

He’s back! And San Francisco is going to need him on Sunday:

LB Reuben Foster

49ers star linebacker Reuben Foster has completed his two-game suspension and is ready to make his 2018 regular season debut. Foster’s return to the field couldn’t come at a better time for San Francisco, given the Chiefs’ explosive offense. However, Foster’s play was shaky over the preseason, which ended in a concussion for the linebacker in the second half of the team’s final preseason game. On Sunday, the 49ers need Foster to be back in mid-season form, and the force he was in the middle of the field in 2017.

LB Fred Warner

Sunday will be our first opportunity to see both WILL linebacker Foster and MIKE linebacker Fred Warner in regular-season action together. The inside linebacker duo will be asked to dominate the middle of the field, as well as the flats, where Kansas City loves to get their playmakers the ball in space. At times, both Warner and Foster will likely find themselves lined up across from Travis Kelce, one of the NFL’s top tight ends.

QB Jimmy Garoppolo

If Garoppolo had to pick an opponent to rid him of his sophomore slump, that opponent would be Kansas City. The Chiefs have allowed 860 yards passing over their first two games, and an opposing quarterback rating of 104.0. Garoppolo needs to get back on track tomorrow, and finish off drives with touchdowns instead of field goals.

WR Marquise Goodwin

An important part of Garoppolo’s potential resurgence is the return of his favorite target Goodwin. The 49ers’ passing attack hasn’t been the same with Goodwin sidelined. Garoppolo trusts his top wideout to make plays in clutch situations, and the speedster’s ability to stretch defenses opens up the intermediate areas of the field. The Niners need Goodwin to play on Sunday, in order to keep up with Kansas City’s offensive attack.

49ers’ Secondary

San Francisco needs a healthy Sherman on Sunday, as the cornerback will likely see his first true test in a Niners’ uniform. On the opposite side of the field, Witherspoon and Ward — as well as slot corner K’Waun Williams —  will need to hold their own against Kansas City’s talented set of wideouts. Hopefully Tartt will be healthy enough to play, otherwise the 49ers will be forced to use an unproven youngster in an important defensive position against a high-powered Chiefs offense.

49ers’ Pass Rushers

Whether it be stud 3-technique defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, fellow first rounders Arik Armstead and Solomon Thomas, or rushers off the edge, San Francisco needs to get after Mahomes in order to limit his time in the pocket, and force the young quarterback into making mistakes. Kansas City relies on big passing plays for points; the Chiefs rank first in the NFL in points scored, but 30th in both passing attempts and total offensive plays. Pressure will force turnovers and limit big plays, which will keep the score manageable for the 49ers’ offense.