Seahawks Halt Chiefs’ Unbeaten Run with Dominant 20-3 Victory
The Seattle Seahawks handed the Kansas City Chiefs their first loss of the 2026 NFL season on Sunday night, securing a 20-3 victory at Lumen Field. The Seahawks’ defence delivered a commanding performance, limiting the Chiefs’ high-powered offence and holding star running back Kenneth Walker III to a season-low output in his return to Seattle.
Walker, who spent his first four NFL seasons with the Seahawks before signing a four-year, $43 million contract with the Chiefs in the offseason, was held to just 36 rushing yards on 14 carries, averaging 2.6 yards per attempt. He also caught four passes for 21 yards, finishing with 57 yards from scrimmage—well below his usual production. Entering the game, Walker led the NFL with 665 rushing yards and averaged approximately 133 yards per game through Kansas City’s first five contests.
Seattle’s defence extended its streak to 36 consecutive games, including playoffs, without allowing an opposing player to rush for 100 yards. The Seahawks’ defensive front consistently disrupted Walker’s rhythm, forcing the Chiefs to rely heavily on their passing game. Despite Walker’s struggles, the Chiefs managed only 213 total yards, including 50 rushing yards, and failed to score a touchdown for the first time in a Patrick Mahomes start.
Mahomes completed 19 of 33 passes for 165 yards and threw one interception. The Seahawks’ secondary, supported by a relentless pass rush, contained the Chiefs’ receivers and prevented any red-zone opportunities. It marked the first time in Mahomes’ career that his offence failed to reach the red zone in a game he started.
Seattle’s defensive effort drew praise from players and coaches alike. Middle linebacker Ernest Jones IV described it as a “shut your lights out” performance, while safety Nick Emmanwori said the defence was motivated to hold Walker under 100 yards. Head coach Mike Macdonald lauded his players as “warriors” who executed their game plan with physicality and precision despite some injuries.
On offence, the Seahawks were led by wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who posted nine receptions for 150 yards and a touchdown. Smith-Njigba’s consistency this season has established him among the league’s elite receivers, and his ability to challenge the Chiefs’ secondary was key to Seattle’s scoring drives.
Running back Emanuel Wilson also made a significant impact, rushing for 100 yards and scoring a touchdown. With Zach Charbonnet sidelined due to injury, Wilson stepped up as the lead back and helped control the clock, contributing to Seattle’s dominant time of possession advantage.
The game held added significance due to Walker’s history with Seattle. He was the Super Bowl MVP earlier this year after rushing for 135 yards in Seattle’s victory over New England. Salary cap constraints led to his departure, and his return to Seattle was highly anticipated. However, the Seahawks’ defence ensured it was a challenging night for the former Seahawk.
Following the game, Walker expressed frustration and declined to greet his former teammates, reflecting the competitive tension surrounding his return, though his full motives remain private.
With this win, the Seahawks improved to 4-3, breaking a two-game losing streak and reasserting their defensive identity. The Chiefs dropped to 5-1, ending their unbeaten start to the season. Seattle’s combination of a suffocating defence and effective offence proved decisive in halting one of the league’s top teams.