NFL 2018: Top 3 Matchups for Week 3

T-3 San Francisco 49ers(1-1) at Kansas City Chiefs(2-0)

49ers will face a difficult task in Kansas City

The Kansas City Chiefs offense, as predicted has become the must-watch offense of all the NFL in 2018. That is saying a lot considering a very high rate of high flying offenses in the league this year, including their opponents in week 3. If the Chiefs could fly pass the strong defensive units like LA Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers, they are gonna put up some video game numbers in Week 3 against a soft 49ers defense.

But, the reason this made the list is because how interesting the offense is to look, the defense is keeping the other team in the game hence getting a close games in back to back shootouts. Shootouts are entertaining and hence we have this matchup here.

Chiefs Spectacular Offense, deflating defense

There is nothing much to talk about Chiefs offense week after week. Mahomes is a dynamite that will make some amazing down the field throws into tight coverage. It helps him to have the amazing team around him. Kareem Hunt in the backfield, Tyreek Hill with his speed and Kelce dominating in the red-zone and Watkins silently running past the defenses getting yards. That is the most talented all-around offense in NFL this year, no argument in that. Look for another 40 point performance from this unit this Sunday against the 49ers.

But, the defense again as expected is a huge suspect for the Chiefs team. Eric Berry being injured doesn't help this inexperienced Chiefs Defense. Justin Houston, should step up in his leadership role and bring all the players together and perform as a unit. Kendall Fuller, who was acquired from the Redskins in Alex Smith trade should step up and not leak the touchdowns.

As good as this offense is, this kind of success cannot be sustained for a long period of time. The season is very long and the defense needs to step up and bail out the offense. Come playoffs it doesn't matter how good you are on the offense, the defense helps win the championships.

Improving 49ers team

Jimmy Garropolo who won the last 5 games of the 2017 season for the San Francisco 49ers had a slow start to his 2018 campaign. Garropolo was handled by the Vikings, where he threw for three Interceptions. But, he bounced right back in Week 2 against the lions by tossing two touchdowns.

The 49ers offense has already suffered a setback due to injuries losing the starting Running Back Jerick Mckinnon for a season-ending ACL tear even before the start of the season. They also lost their starting WR Marquise Goodwin in Week 1. But, the 49ers luckily were able to find players that came and stepped right up in week 2.

Matt Breida, the back up running back has been brilliant in filling in the role as a starter, who leads the NFL through 2 weeks with 184 yards. He entrenched his position as a starter from his competitor Alfred Morris. Brieda will be the lead horseback who could be the best three-down back currently on the roster. Dante Pettis could also see many targets coming his way starting opposite to the veteran Pierre Garcon.

The San Francisco defense on the other hand remains a big suspect in 2 weeks just like the Chiefs defense. They were able to bring back the Lions in the fourth quarter by giving up 14 unanswered points. For the 49ers to have any chance against this vaunting Chiefs offense, the defense needs to step up and cover the streaking Chiefs WRs who can fly past in matter of seconds.

Fantasy Outlook

All Chiefs Skill Position Players: This is a nobrainer after what they were able to accomplish in first 2 weeks.

Matt Brieda: He is the work horse back for the 49ers and the leading rusher in NFL. Look for him to rake more yards this sunday and possibly touchdowns as well.

Under the Radar:

Pierre Garcon: Garcon is the starter and only experienced receiver in the team. He is bound have many targets coming his way this Sunday and will be a fringe flex-starter in PPR leagues this Sunday.

Caution:

Jimmy Garropolo: As much as this Chiefs defense let Phillip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger come back, 49ers do not have that many receiving weapons as Chargers and Steelers have. This game also happens to be the home opener for the Chiefs, which means Arrowhead Stadium is going to be rocking this Sunday, that place is never an easy place to play for any quarterback, just ask Tom Brady.

Prediction:

Chiefs, who blew out two of the top flight teams in the first two weeks, are not about to lose in week 3 to an inferior 49ers team.

Chiefs 42 49ers 27