Clearly, the 49ers have to find a way to cover Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. That’s a given. But before the 49ers stop the pass, they’ll have to stop the run, something they haven’t done so well this season, especially in the playoffs.

Through two playoff games, the 49ers are allowing a grotesque 5.6 yards per carry. Just this past week, they got gashed by Lions running back David Montgomery, who’s good but not great. Which means the Chiefs could replicate the success the Lions had against the 49ers run defense.

It’s important to understand why Montgomery ran so well against the 49ers. When he was in the game, the Lions used heavy formations — two tight ends, or three tight ends, or six offensive linemen. Power football. And the 49ers didn’t adjust. They kept using their standard Wide 9 defensive front, and the Lions bulldozed it.

The Chiefs can do the same thing. They have an excellent offensive line, their base personnel package is two tight ends, and their running back, Isiah Pacheco, is just as explosive and powerful as Montgomery.

The 49ers will have to find a way to stop Pacheco without loading the box with eight defenders. Because if the 49ers load the box, Patrick Mahomes will take deep shots and complete them.

So defensive coordinator Steve Wilks needs to have a secondary defensive front he can call if the Wide 9. Perhaps a five-man front with less space between the defensive linemen would do the trick.

Your move, Steve.