Jaxon Smith-Njigba Dominates as Seahawks Defeat Chiefs 20-3

Smith-Njigba shines in Seattle victory

Kenneth Walker III returned to Lumen Field, but Jaxon Smith-Njigba stole the show on Sunday night. Seattle earned a 20-3 victory against Kansas City, led by another huge performance from their star receiver.

Smith-Njigba caught nine passes for 150 yards and a touchdown. The reigning AP Offensive Player of the Year now has 867 receiving yards through seven games this season, which is 231 yards more than any other player in the league.

Historic performance on third down

Seattle converted 11 of 16 third downs in the game. Sam Darnold connected with Smith-Njigba on four of those conversions. That included a 33 yard catch and run, which was Seattle's longest play of the night, and a 27 yard touchdown pass in the second quarter.

Darnold changed the call at the line of scrimmage before throwing down the left sideline to Smith-Njigba, who beat cornerback Mansoor Delane in coverage. Kansas City had not allowed a touchdown catch to a wide receiver all season until that play.

Head coach Mike Macdonald praised his star player after the game, calling him tremendous. Safety Nick Emmanwori added that Smith-Njigba is unguardable and called him one of one. Smith-Njigba gets 36.6 percent of Seattle's targets, the highest mark in the NFL. He also has 53.9 percent of the team's receiving yards, which is the second highest share through seven games in 75 seasons.

What it means for the next game

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos (NFL, Sun, 01 Nov): Denver Broncos win 46%, Kansas City Chiefs win 54%; projected score Denver Broncos 21, Kansas City Chiefs 20. Our safest pick: Broncos +8.5.

Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks (NFL, Tue, 03 Nov): Seattle Seahawks win 56%, Chicago Bears win 44%; projected score Seattle Seahawks 26, Chicago Bears 22. Our safest pick: Over 39.5 points.