San Francisco ? Priest Holmes admits he runs for the money. Garrison Hearst runs to show everybody he deserved his second chance.

When the Kansas City Chiefs visit Candlestick Point today to face the San Francisco 49ers, two of the NFL’s top rushing offenses will be on display. Each defense will be keyed on stopping Pro Bowl running backs whose careers were in serious jeopardy only two years ago, when Holmes was cast off by Baltimore and Hearst hadn’t played in two seasons because of a broken leg.

Kansas City’s high-scoring attack is based around Holmes, the 2001 NFL rushing champion and the leader so far this season with 857 yards. Hearst has been as steady as ever, combining with Kevan Barlow in the NFL’s fourth-rated rushing offense.

Coming off their bye with no players on their injury report, the Chiefs (4-4) still are in the playoff race in arguably the NFL’s toughest division. They owe much of it to Holmes’ running and his determination to add wins to his individual accomplishments.

“Despite the things that I can do personally and with the help of my teammates, the biggest thing is to actually get a win and put some money in the pockets of my offensive linemen,” Holmes said. “Get them new contracts ” whatever it takes to help establish this team so we can play together for a number of years to come.”

San Francisco (6-2) is more balanced, with Jeff Garcia and Terrell Owens providing the most exciting plays. The Chiefs are last in the NFL in pass defense, allowing more than 323 yards per game.

But true to coach Steve Mariucci’s version of the West Coast offense filtered through the run-first philosophy of John Robinson, Hearst typically sets the early tone and battles for all the tough yards. If the forecast for rain proves accurate, much of the 49ers’ success could hinge on Hearst and Barlow.

“Garrison and (fullback) Fred Beasley do a lot of the dirty work for us,” Garcia said. “When we’re successful as an offense is when our running game sets up the passing game. I’m sure Garrison is looking forward to showing everybody what he can do.”

San Francisco defensive coordinator Jim Mora has spent a week looking for ways to stop Holmes. Actually, the best defense might be a good offense, specifically one that gets big yards from Hearst.

“This is an old-fashioned, big-time running back matchup,” Mora said. “(Holmes) can do so many incredible things. He’s tough, and he’s fun to watch, but he’s not a lot of fun to coach against. People will see some good running on Sunday.”

The Chiefs have scored more points than any team this season and surrendered more than all but Buffalo. That’s not a good recipe heading into San Francisco, where the Niners will go for their sixth victory in seven games with a defense that typically gets better in the second half of each season.

Holmes was pronounced healthy this week despite a balky knee, while Hearst hasn’t missed a game yet in his comeback. While Hearst gets valuable time off because of his platoon with second-year back Barlow, Holmes carries almost the entire load for Kansas City.

“He’s a great back,” Hearst said. “He runs hard. He makes that offense go. We’re two different teams, but he’s one of the best in the game.”

Both Holmes and Hearst have faced their doubters, but those naysayers didn’t include the leaders of their current teams. Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil snatched up Holmes when the Ravens decided they needed a bigger back in their offense.

Vermeil shrugs off concerns Holmes is working too hard.

“The more times you carry the ball, the more times you’re exposed,” Vermeil said. “All the great backs that I’ve been around had to carry the ball to be as good as they had the ability to be.”

The Niners’ run defense, led by defensive tackles Bryant Young and Kansas University product Dana Stubblefield, has stopped nearly every tailback this season ” with the notable exception of New Orleans’ Deuce McAllister, who leads the NFC in rushing. McAllister’s shifty style is comparable to Holmes’.

“We’ve thought about that, but I think our guys have the ability to get in there and stop them,” Mora said. “Nobody has a foolproof game plan for a guy like Priest Holmes. You’ve just got to try to stop him on one play, then stop him on another.”