NFL1 hour ago2 minute read

Seattle Defense Stops Chiefs as Seahawks Win 20-3

Jaxon Smith-Njigba and a smothering defense led Seattle to a 20-3 victory over Kansas City, handing the Chiefs their first loss of the season.

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Seahawks Defense Shuts Down Former Teammate

The Seattle Seahawks snapped their two game losing streak on Sunday night, beating the Kansas City Chiefs 20-3. Seattle handed Kansas City its first loss of the season behind a dominant defensive effort and big plays from Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Former Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III returned to Seattle leading the league with 665 rushing yards. However, Mike Macdonald's defense held him to just 36 yards on 14 carries. Seattle extended its streak to 36 straight games without allowing a 100 yard rusher. Kansas City managed only 213 total yards and never reached the red zone. Patrick Mahomes faced heavy pressure on eight of his 15 dropbacks before halftime, resulting in just 37 passing yards in the first half.

Smith-Njigba Makes History in Seattle Offense

While Seattle's defense clamped down, Smith-Njigba powered the offense with 150 receiving yards. He racked up 129 of those yards in the first half alone. That marked the most receiving yards in any half of his career and the most by a Seahawk since 2020.

Smith-Njigba now leads the league with 867 receiving yards and eight touchdown catches. He is the first player in the Super Bowl era to reach at least 850 receiving yards and eight touchdowns through his team's first seven games.

Quarterback Sam Darnold finished 20 of 28 for 257 yards. Although he threw an interception near the end of the first half to Chiefs cornerback Nohl Williams, Darnold avoided taking a single sack. Seattle converted 11 of 16 third downs and totaled 410 yards.

Chiefs Struggle With Missing Starters

Kansas City dropped to 5-1 while dealing with key injuries across the roster. The Chiefs played without tackles Josh Simmons and Jaylon Moore, along with receivers Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton. Their wide receivers combined for just six catches and 39 yards on the night.

The defense also struggled to force Seattle off the field. Seattle held the ball twice as long as Kansas City midway through the third quarter. Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker missed his second field goal of the night, adding to a tough outing for the road team.

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.