Seahawks hand Chiefs first loss with dominant 20-3 win at Lumen Field

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba makes a catch and scores a touchdown on the play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Seattle, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Lindsey WassonThe Seattle Seahawks bounced back from a two-game losing streak with a statement win in prime time, beating the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 20-3 at Lumen Field.Seattle’s defense stifled Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense, while Jaxon Smith-Njigba delivered another standout performance with nine catches for 150 yards and a touchdown. “I mean, he is unguardable. Not even almost. He’s unguardable,” safety Nick Emmanwori said. “It’s pretty amazing to see.”Quarterback Sam Darnold praised Smith-Njigba’s versatility and ability to adjust during games.“He’s so good at so many things,” Darnold said. “I think just his mind, his football IQ, being able to adjust on the fly.”Cooper Kupp said Smith-Njigba’s consistency is another key to his success.“His ability to just stay engaged one play after the next, and when that opportunity comes, he just continues to play high-level football,” Kupp said.Darnold also rebounded after recent struggles. He threw an interception to end the first half, but helped Seattle’s offense do enough to complement a dominant defensive performance.“Our guys did a really good job of executing,” Darnold said. “And again, our coaches did a really good job throughout the week of putting the plan together and putting us in a good position out there.”Head coach Mike Macdonald summed up his quarterback’s performance more simply.“He’s a ballplayer, man,” Macdonald said. “I mean, it’s what he does.”Seattle’s defense also spoiled the return of former Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III, who returned to Lumen Field after leaving Seattle for Kansas City.The Seahawks held Walker to 36 rushing yards and extended their streak to 36 consecutive games without allowing an opposing running back to reach 100 yards rushing.“Heck, that was my motivation,” Emmanwori said. “I know that a lot of dudes on the defense, that was the motivation, to stop him under 100 and play lights out on defense. And I think we did that.”Seattle also intercepted Mahomes and kept Kansas City out of the red zone for the entire game.“When we do that, we’re a really good football team, and we know that,” linebacker Ernest Jones IV said. “So, it was good to see these guys out there rolling.”For a Seahawks team that entered the game on a two-game losing streak and dealing with turnover problems, Macdonald said the performance served as a reminder of what the team can accomplish.“I think this game shows us, like, it reminds the guys what we are capable of,” Macdonald said. “And it’s also, like I said earlier, I think our guys understand that there’s more levels to where we can go.”“The resiliency of our team is something special,” Smith-Njigba said. “And we’re going to keep going.”The Seahawks will remain in the prime-time spotlight for their next game, hosting Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears Monday night at Lumen Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. on Nov. 2.