NFL1 hour ago2 minute read

Kenneth Walker III Struggles as Seahawks Stifle Chiefs in Seattle Return

Kenneth Walker III was held to 36 rushing yards in his return to Seattle as the Kansas City Chiefs fell 20-3 to the Seahawks on Sunday night.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Rough Return to Lumen Field

Kenneth Walker III had his worst performance of the season on Sunday night. Returning to face his former team, the Kansas City Chiefs running back managed only 36 rushing yards on 14 carries in a 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. He added four catches for 21 yards.

After the final play, Walker walked straight to the Chiefs locker room without shaking hands or talking with his former teammates. Walker explained his decision by stating he was frustrated after seeing them celebrate.

The loss halted a strong opening stretch for Walker, who led the league with 665 rushing yards during Kansas City's first five games. Seattle kept up its own streak, extending its run to 36 straight games without allowing a 100 yard rusher.

Defensive Dominance and Offense Struggles

Seattle used nickel or dime packages on all 50 of Kansas City's offensive snaps, keeping two deep safeties to limit big plays. Walker did not record a single run of 10 yards or more. Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori said after the game that holding Walker under 100 yards was a major motivation for the defense.

Injuries hit the Chiefs hard along the offensive line and at receiver. Left tackle Josh Simmons was out with a back injury, and right tackle Jaylon Moore missed the game with a concussion. Receivers Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton were also sidelined.

The lack of a ground threat hurt Kansas City's passing game. Patrick Mahomes saw his wide receivers combine for just six catches and 39 yards. The three points scored tied the fewest in a game started by Mahomes in his ten seasons, and the offense failed to reach the red zone for the first time in his 153 career starts.

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.