The San Francisco 49ers won’t come into this matchup equipped with the firepower they had when these teams played in Super Bowl LVIII. Running back Christian McCaffrey hasn’t suited up this season because of bilateral Achilles tendinitis. Although wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is healthy, he’s had more than 48 receiving yards in only one of six games this season.

The 49ers do have a quality fill-in starting tailback in Jordan Mason, but he’s dealing with a shoulder injury.

The Kansas City Chiefs will likely rely on older veterans such as Kareem Hunt and JuJu Smith-Schuster with Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown, and Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve.

Even though both teams had extra time to prepare for this game, we may not see too many offensive fireworks.

Michelino cannot justify betting against the Chiefs as an underdog.

“In what is certain to be the most fascinating game of the week, we’re treated to a Super Bowl 58 rematch between the Chiefs and 49ers. Despite the absence of McCaffrey, not much has changed since these teams last met. The Niners still lead the NFC West, and the Chiefs continue to find ways to win. And yes, you read that right…the Chiefs are underdogs yet again.

“There are a few significant factors to consider here. Patrick Mahomes is 10-3 straight up as an underdog in his career (and 12-1-1 ATS), and Andy Reid-led teams are historically great coming off the bye, with an impressive 21-4 record.

“Out of desperation, the Chiefs have turned back the clock on offense with Hunt emerging as RB1 and Smith-Schuster leading in receiving yards when we last saw them. Kansas City still boasts an excellent defense, especially against the run, which should neutralize Shanahan’s run schemes, especially with a banged-up Mason.

“Plus, I’ve learned my lesson after I made the bold decision to fade Mahomes in the Super Bowl. I promised myself that night that I’d never do it again. Reid and Mahomes are inevitable, and I’ll probably pick them as underdogs for the rest of my life.”

Score Prediction: Chiefs 23, 49ers 21