SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes overcame two interceptions and made some big plays with his feet. The Kansas City Chiefs remained the league's only undefeated team, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 28-18 on Sunday Super Bowl rematch.

The stakes and quality of play were not at the same level as eight months ago when Mahomes and the Chiefs (6-0) beat the 49ers (3-4). 25-22 in overtime for their Super Bowl title in five seasons.

But the result was the same: Kansas City won its fifth straight over San Francisco, including two Super Bowls.

The game may have come at a high price for San Francisco Star receiver Brandon Aiyuk was carted off after being hit in the right knee during a catch late in the first half. There was initially no information on the severity of the injury.

Aiyuk's absence proved crucial at a crucial point late in the third quarter when the 49ers had a chance to erase a 14-12 deficit.

A miscommunication between backup receiver Ronnie Bell and Brock Purdy led to an interception by Chris Roland-Wallace. The Chiefs then turned that into a touchdown, thanks in part to a 33-yard scramble by Mahomes, which was his longest regular-season run ever.

Mahomes then scored his first rushing touchdown since the 2022 season with a 1-yard scramble on fourth down.

That was one of four TD runs on the day for Kansas City, with Kareem Hunt scoring twice in the first half and Mecole Hardman capping it off with an 18-yarder in the fourth quarter. It was only the second time Kansas City scored four touchdowns in a game started by Mahomes, the other coming in the 2018 divisional playoff round against Indianapolis.

Mahomes finished 16 for 27 for 154 yards and has eight interceptions and six passing touchdowns this season. But that was enough for Kansas City to become the tenth reigning Super Bowl champions, starting the following season with six straight wins.

Purdy wasn't much better as the defense had the upper hand in this game. He went 17 for 31 for 212 yards with two TD runs and three interceptions. His third pick came in the end zone midway through the fourth quarter as San Francisco tried to mount a comeback.

Pearsall's debut

Niners rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall made exactly his debut 50 days after the shot in the chest during a robbery in San Francisco. Pearsall was taken off the non-football injured list and made his first appearance in San Francisco's opening game. He caught his first pass of his career late in the second quarter.

His presence was needed as San Francisco played the second half without its top three receivers. Jauan Jennings missed the game with a hip injury, Deebo Samuel only played four games due to illness and Aiyuk was injured late in the first half.

Injuries

Chiefs: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) left in the first half. … CB Jaylen Watson (ankle) left in the second half.

Next

Chiefs: Visit Las Vegas next Sunday.

49ers: Host Dallas next Sunday night.

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