Watch: Christian McCaffrey fumble ends promising 49ers opening drive

On the Nickelodeon broadcast of the big game, Patrick Star of "SpongeBob SquarePants" shared advice he once gave Squidward following the play.

San Francisco reached the Kansas City 29-yard line before the 2023 Associated Press NFL Offensive Play of the Year – who hadn't fumbled since a Week 7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings – drew the ire of an anthropomorphic starfish. A pair of second-year Kansas City defenders combined to force the miscue.

On a first-and-10, McCaffrey gained two yards before linebacker Leo Chenal ripped the ball from his grasp. Edge-rusher George Karlaftis III made the recovery.

Quarterback Brock Purdy was 2-of-2 for 29 yards on the series. McCaffrey gained 30 total yards and fullback Kyle Juszczyk had an 18-yard reception.

None of it mattered because of the fumble. In a game with a finite number of series, squandering a golden scoring opportunity could be fatal, particularly against an offense on the other sideline led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

To its credit, San Francisco's defense has been up to the task through the Chiefs' first two offensive drives, including forcing a three-and-out following the turnover.

The Niners successfully limited the damage of the fumble, but in a game that is expected to be close, there will likely come a time when they wish they had those points they left on the field.