It's not quite Joe Montana versus Steve Young, but today's game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara does feature the 49ers facing their former quarterback, Alex Smith.
Last week, the 49ers (2-2) defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 26-21. The Chiefs (2-2) absolutely demolished the New England Patriots 41-14.
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Smith, who was taken with the first overall selection in the 2005 NFL Draft by the 49ers, spent eight seasons with the team. In 2012, a concussion suffered by Smith forced youngster Colin Kaepernick to take over at quarterback. Smith would never start another game for the 49ers and Kaepernick would guide the team all the way to the Super Bowl.
During the following offseason, Smith was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs and would help lead a team that was coming off of a 2-14 season into the playoffs. Kaepernick would guide his 49ers to their third straight NFC Championship.
Smith and the Chiefs are looking to win their third straight game. Against the Patriots, he completed 20 of his 26 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns. He has not had an interception in his last three games.
Kaepernick was 17 of 30 for 218 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in the 49ers' victory over the previously unbeaten Eagles.
The 49ers defense, despite being without linebacker NaVorro Bowman, defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, and linebacker Aldon Smith, responded to doubters by holding running back LeSean McCoy and the Eagles to just 22 yards rushing on 12 attempts. Cornerback Perrish Cox, who has been starting in place of the injured Tramaine Brock, has been playing very well. So well, that many within the media question whether Brock should automatically get his starting job back once he is healthy.
The 49ers will likely look to once again control the clock on offense after running back Frank Gore's 119 yard performance last week. He also hauled in a 55-yard touchdown reception, the longest of his career.
This past week, 49ers players were quick to defend head coach Jim Harbaugh after Deion Sanders claimed that, according to multiple "sources" within the team, players had lost faith in him. Harbaugh himself called the report "crap."
As usual, you can visit 49erswebzone.com for the latest news and updates during and after the game.
The 49ers rank 19th with 350.8 yards per game. The Chiefs rank 16th with 352.5 yards per game.
Defensive Rankings:
The 49ers rank 2nd, allowing 287.2 yards per game. The Chiefs rank 11th, allowing 338 yards per game.
Last Meeting:
The Chiefs beat the 49ers 31-10 in Kansas City, Missouri in 2010.
Kickoff:
The game kicks off at 1:25 PM PT.
Betting:
The 49ers are 5 point favorites.
At Yahoo! Sports, 67% of fans believe that the 49ers will win this game. Within our Pick 'em contest, 94% of fans believe that the 49ers will win this game.
Follow the Game:
You can follow the game live on NFL.com's Game Center.
Social Media:
You can also discuss the game with fans in the 49erswebzone.com forums. Become a fan of 49erswebzone.com on Facebook and Google+ or follow us on Twitter.
Television:
The game will be televised on CBS. Click here to see if the game all air in your area.
