The Kansas City Chiefs didn’t care.

The Chiefs torched the 49ers with a 44-23 win. When the 49ers tried to make it a game with a touchdown in the fourth quarter, cutting Kansas City’s lead to 28-23, Patrick Mahomes quickly led his team on a touchdown that put the 49ers away. If that touchdown didn’t end the game, a Frank Clark sack in the end zone for a safety on the 49ers’ next drive did the trick.

The Chiefs are 5-2. The 49ers, who clearly believe they are a contender based on their trade this week for Christian McCaffrey, couldn’t touch the Chiefs at home. There aren’t many true contenders in the NFL this season, but the team with Mahomes at quarterback is certainly one.

Patrick Mahomes has another big day

Two third down plays showed the difference between the Chiefs and most of the league.

Third and long is a waiver spot for most teams. With Muhammad, it’s no big deal.

The 49ers had the Chiefs on a third-and-20 in the third quarter. San Francisco trailed 21-16 at the time and Kansas City was looking at a long field goal attempt if it couldn’t pick up some yardage. The Chiefs picked up all the yards they needed, getting Jerick McKinnon out to the left for a quick screen pass. McKinnon gained 34 yards. On the next play, Mahomes hit Justin Watson for a touchdown.

The 49ers again had a shot to take the Chiefs off the field on third and long. They were ahead 28-23. Kansas City was backed up and had a third-and-11. Mahomes hit Marquez Valdés-Scantling downfield for a 57-yard gain. Three plays later, Mecole Hardman scored his third touchdown of the game.

Mahomes retired early with 423 yards and three touchdowns. It’s business as usual for one of the top two quarterbacks in the NFL.

Even when the 49ers had the Chiefs in tough situations, it wasn’t too tough for Mahomes. That’s the difference between having an average quarterback and a superstar.

Bosses soon fell behind

The 49ers came out strong. They had a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. It was a great start for a team that came in at 3-3 and needed to start picking up wins.

San Francisco slowed down and the defense had no answers. Mahomes’ last seven possessions resulted in six touchdowns and one missed field goal. Then again, the 49ers were considered one of the best defenses in the NFL just a couple of weeks ago.

Kansas City is a force again. The Chiefs will win the AFC West and it won’t be close. They’ll probably have to get past the Buffalo Bills if they want to get back to the Super Bowl, but that’s a concern for another day.

Right now the Chiefs are as good as ever, even with Tyreek Hill in Miami. It helps to have generational talent at quarterback.