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Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs suffered a decisive setback Sunday night, falling 20-3 to the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. While the matchup carried plenty of attention because of Kenneth Walker III’s return to Seattle, the evening ultimately belonged to Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Smith-Njigba delivered another explosive performance, catching nine passes for 150 yards and a touchdown. His production helped Seattle control the game and handed Kansas City its first loss after the Chiefs opened the season with a 5-0 record.
Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs Stunned by Seattle’s Dominant Defense
The final score reflected Seattle’s command on both sides of the ball. The Seahawks’ defense limited the Chiefs to three points, while the offense repeatedly leaned on Smith-Njigba in critical situations.
According to ESPN, Seattle converted 11 of 16 third-down opportunities. Four of those conversions came on passes from Sam Darnold to Smith-Njigba, including the receiver’s longest catch-and-run of the night, a 33-yard play.
The Seahawks also prevented Kansas City from building offensive momentum. The Chiefs had not allowed a touchdown catch to an opposing receiver during their five-game winning streak entering Week 7, but Smith-Njigba broke through with a 27-yard touchdown in the second quarter.
That scoring play came after Darnold changed the call at the line of scrimmage. He then floated the ball toward the left sideline, where Smith-Njigba was matched one-on-one against cornerback Mansoor Delane.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Continues Historic NFL Start
Smith-Njigba’s latest performance added to what is quickly becoming one of the most remarkable starts to a season in NFL history. He now has 867 receiving yards through seven games, a total that leads the league by 231 yards, according to ESPN Research.
The Seahawks star is also tied with Lance Alworth’s 1965 mark for the eighth-most receiving yards through seven games in NFL history. He became just the sixth player ever to record six 100-yard receiving performances during his team’s first seven contests.
Smith-Njigba also has eight receiving touchdowns this season. ESPN Research noted that he is the seventh player in league history, and the first during the Super Bowl era, to reach at least 850 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns through seven games.
His current pace has created an even bigger storyline. After recording 1,793 receiving yards in 2025, Smith-Njigba is on track to challenge Calvin Johnson’s single-season record of 1,964 yards, set in 2012.
“He’s unguardable,” Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori said after the victory, describing the difficulty opponents face even when Smith-Njigba attracts double coverage and additional defenders.
What the Loss Means for Kansas City
For the Chiefs, the defeat ends their unbeaten run and raises immediate questions about the team’s offensive consistency. Although the available game report does not provide individual statistics for Patrick Mahomes, the 20-3 result shows how thoroughly Seattle controlled the contest.
The Chiefs entered the game with significant momentum, but Seattle’s pressure, coverage and third-down execution prevented Kansas City from finding a rhythm. The Seahawks’ ability to limit explosive plays while forcing the Chiefs into difficult situations proved decisive.
Seattle’s victory also strengthened its standing as one of the NFC’s most dangerous teams. The Seahawks received a complete performance from their defense and an exceptional outing from their top receiver, who continues to carry a massive share of the team’s passing game.
Smith-Njigba is responsible for 36.6% of Seattle’s targets, easily the highest share for any player in the NFL. He has also accounted for 53.9% of the Seahawks’ receiving yards through seven games, a figure that ranks second over the past 75 seasons, according to Elias.
Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald acknowledged that the offense needs to distribute the ball, but he also made clear why Smith-Njigba remains the centerpiece of the passing attack.
“You’d be crazy not to try to make him the primary on as many concepts as you can,” Macdonald said.
What Comes Next for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs?
The loss gives Kansas City an important opportunity to respond. A team led by Patrick Mahomes will now face increased scrutiny after being held to just three points, particularly following a perfect start to the season.
The Chiefs must regain their offensive rhythm, protect against another slow start and find ways to counter defensive game plans designed to limit their most dangerous options. Meanwhile, Seattle will look to build on a statement win that showcased its defensive strength and Smith-Njigba’s extraordinary form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Patrick Mahomes lead the Chiefs against Seattle?
The source identifies the game as a Kansas City Chiefs loss but does not provide individual statistics for Patrick Mahomes.
What was the final score of the Seahawks-Chiefs game?
The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 20-3 on Sunday night.
How many yards did Jaxon Smith-Njigba record?
Smith-Njigba caught nine passes for 150 yards and one touchdown.
How many touchdowns does Smith-Njigba have this season?
His 27-yard touchdown against Kansas City was his eighth receiving touchdown of the season.
Why was the victory significant for Seattle?
The win handed Kansas City its first loss after a 5-0 start and highlighted Seattle’s dominant defense and explosive passing attack.
