San Francisco 49ers: 5 Bold predictions vs. Chiefs in Super Bowl 54
4. Breida leads 49ers in rushing
As Garoppolo took a backseat in the offense against the Packers with the NFC title on the line, it was running back Raheem Mostert that starred for San Francisco. He ran all over Green Bay to the tune of 29 carries for 220 yards and four scores. But while Mostert has been great, Shanahan has shown a strong propensity to ride the hot hand with his crowded backfield. As such, betting on Mostert to replicate that effort isn’t a safe wager.
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In the interest of being bold, I’m looking the way of Matt Breida. With Tevin Coleman still banged up, Breida — who has only nine carries this postseason — could see some early carries as the 49ers try to establish their rushing attack. If he gets loose against a suspect Chiefs run defense, he could be the hot hand they ride. That’s what I say happens and Breida ends up as San Francisco’s leading rusher.
3. Warner gets a pick
For the amount of talent and effectiveness that the 49ers displayed on defense throughout the season, they really weren’t productive at turning opposing teams over, at least in terms of interceptions. San Francisco had just 12 picks as a team on the year — but one of those interceptions was from linebacker Fred Warner, who took his lone pick to the house.
There’s no doubt that the Chiefs are going to attack the middle of the field with Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman to try and create mismatches and to potentially not test Richard Sherman. And while Kansas City will find some success, I believe that the underrated Warner will find a way to make a big play for the Niners. He’ll find himself on the end of a Mahomes pass and will try to flip the game by creating a turnover.