Seahawks End Chiefs' Perfect Season, Jaxon Smith-Njigba Sets Franchise Record
Seattle's defense held Kenneth Walker III to 36 yards, while Patrick Mahomes posted a season-low output in a 27-19 loss in Seattle.
By Nadia Singh ·
The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night to end the visitors' perfect start to the 2026 NFL season. The game featured a defensive standout against Kansas City's running game and a career-best half from Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Smith-Njigba accumulated 129 receiving yards in the first half, marking the highest total for any half in his professional career. This performance extended his season totals to 867 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. According to ESPN Research, he is the first player in the Super Bowl era to reach at least 850 yards and eight scores in his team's first seven games. Smith-Njigba described the team's mindset, stating, "Our backs were against the wall. How we came out here as a brotherhood and fought .. the resiliency of our team is something special, and we're going to keep going."
The Seahawks defense limited Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III, who entered the game leading the league with 665 rushing yards. Walker finished with just 36 yards on 14 carries, never gaining 10 yards on a single attempt. The Chiefs' passing attack also struggled, with Patrick Mahomes throwing for 165 yards. His output represented a season low of six fantasy points, and he has not thrown a touchdown in either of his past two games.
The Chiefs' receiving corps combined for only 39 yards on six receptions. The unit operated without Rashee Rice, who missed the game with a strained right hamstring, and Tyquan Thornton, who remains on injured reserve after ankle surgery. Chiefs general manager Brett Veach faces a decision on whether to pursue a receiver trade before the November 10 deadline.
Quarterback Sam Darnold completed 20 of 28 passes for 257 yards for Seattle. Although he intercepted a second-down throw into traffic at the end of the first half, it was his eighth interception in the past five games. The win sets up a matchup against the Chicago Bears on November 2 at 8:15 p.m. ET.
