49ers' Key Matchups vs. Chiefs in Super Bowl 58

The San Francisco 49ers have spent all regular season making a convincing argument that they are the best team in football. Now they are a win over the Kansas City Chiefs away from proving it at Super Bowl 58.

The 49ers opened as the favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook, but the line has moved in the Chiefs direction.

The market is just an indicator at how close these two teams match up on paper. The Niners have a complete roster and the better resume, but the Chiefs have a lot of playoff experience and an undeniably clutch quarterback in Patrick Mahomes.

It's a matchup that is likely to come down to the wire and a few key matchups could be the difference. Here are three that could make or break San Francisco's chances of lifting the Lombardi.

Brandon Aiyuk vs. L'Jarius Sneed

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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 28: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass that was tipped by Kindle Vildor #29 of the Detroit Lions during the third quarter in the NFC Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

There's going to be a heavyweight championship fight within this Super Bowl every time L'Jarius Sneed lines up across from Brandon Aiyuk.

Based on how the Chiefs have used Sneed all season, it's going to happen a lot. When it does, it will pit one of the game's best man-coverage corners against one of the most productive receivers in the league against man.

The result is going to be a fascinating matchup to watch all night and one that should have a heavy impact on who wins.

Aiyuk was third this season in fantasy pointer per target against man, per Player Profiler. His win rate (37 percent) is much better than Deebo Samuel's (24.5 percent) so the Niners are going to have to rely on Aiyuk to punish the Chiefs for playing so much man coverage.

Sneed has typically followed the team's top receiver and can even play in the slot if needed. The Niners would be wise to try and move Aiyuk all over the field, but it's likely they won't be able to avoid the matchup.

It's going to be up to Aiyuk to make some plays with Sneed on him.

Interior Offensive Line vs. Chris Jones

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Jake Brendel (64) and Aaron Banks (65)

There isn't a whole lot to glean from the 2022 matchup between the Niners and Chiefs. Both teams are just so much different than they were last season. However, the matchup of the 49ers interior offensive line and Chris Jones hasn't changed much.

That could be a problem for San Francisco.

The Chiefs won that game 44-23 and Jimmy Garoppolo was sacked five times. He passed for over 300 yards, but Kansas City's ability to get pressure with their front four made it difficult for them to keep up offensively with the Chiefs.

Jones was particularly menacing, racking up two sacks, a quarterback hit and a tackle for loss. He remains one of the most disruptive forces in the league today and the Niners will have two of the same three interior blockers they had that day.

Aaron Banks and Jake Brendel are still starters. Jon Feliciano will get the nod instead of Spencer Burford who started that day.

Feliciano has been a godsend for the Niners. The 31-year-old is the fifth-ranked guard by PFF's metrics, but Banks (53rd among guards) and Brendel (18th among centers) have been weaknesses to an extent.

Jones quickness and versatility can be difficult for any offensive line to handle. If the Niners don't figure out a way to neutralize him then he could hinder their offense all game.

Linebackers and Safeties vs. Travis Kelce

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Travis Kelce

The 49ers defense doesn't have many holes, but covering tight ends has been a problem at times this season. That's not great news for a team that is going to have to defend Travis Kelce.

Sam LaPorta had a strong showing against San Francisco in the conference championship. He caught nine of his 13 targets for 97 yards and was the most consistent Lions receiving threat.

However, they've given up some big days to other talented tight ends. Trey McBride had 10 receptions for 102 yards while T.J. Hockenson had 11 for 86 in Week 7.

It isn't like they've given up big plays, but those teams were able to funnel targets to their tight ends and consistently move the chains. Now, they'll face one of the most prolific tight ends in NFL history who has been on a hot streak.

Kelce's production was unsteady in the regular season, but he has 23 receptions for 262 yards and three touchdowns across their three playoff games. He caught 11 of his 11 targets against the Ravens for 116 yards and a score.

If he can do that against the NIners it will help the Chiefs get into a rhythm. Mahomes and Kelce in a rhythm is not a scenario that San Francisco wants to see play out.