The Seahawks return to primetime for another tough test, this time against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lumen Field. After facing the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle gets another chance to prove it can compete with one of the NFL’s best teams. The difference is that the Seahawks can’t afford another performance filled with defensive lapses and missed opportunities.
At 3–3, Seattle made its path more complicated with losses to the Washington Commanders and Denver Broncos. A win over Kansas City won’t solve every problem, but it could restore confidence and give the Seahawks some much-needed momentum ahead of the next stretch of a challenging schedule.
There’s also an intriguing storyline on the other sideline: former Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III, who has become one of the Chiefs’ most productive offensive weapons.
The biggest test for Seattle’s run defense
Seattle’s defense went 35 games in a row without allowing an opposing running back to rush for 100 yards. That streak now faces one of its toughest challenges.
Walker has rushed for 665 yards and six touchdowns in five games, averaging 133 yards per game and 6.3 yards per carry. He surpassed 100 rushing yards in four of his five appearances, including his career-low total of 70 yards against Miami. He also added 95 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
The numbers tell the story, but Walker’s explosiveness is what makes this matchup particularly dangerous. He can turn a routine run into a game-changing one with one missed tackle. A defender who fails to finish the play can be the difference between a one-yard loss and a 30-yard gain.
Seattle knows Walker well, and that familiarity could help. But it also means the Seahawks understand how quickly he can punish a defensive mistake.
The potential return of Zach Charbonnet adds another layer to the storyline. If he can play, Seattle will get a boost in its depleted backfield while dealing with a running back who once shared the workload with him. However, Charbonnet’s presence should be confirmed before Sunday.
Defensive discipline will be important
Seattle has continued to play great run defense, allowing around 96 rushing yards per game this season. The unit wasn’t quite as dominant as last year, however, and Denver’s game exposed just how costly lapses can be.
The Seahawks were able to limit Denver’s passing production in the second half, but that didn’t mean victory against Kansas City. Patrick Mahomes presents a different level of challenge, and the Chiefs have more ways to punish a defense that loses its discipline.
Seattle can’t afford to shut down for two drives and expect to recover without consequence. Against Mahomes, even a short stretch of poor execution can swing a game.
The first priority is controlling the Walker. That means maintaining gap integrity, constant tackling and preventing explosive runs. Seattle must also be prepared for the possibility of Walker becoming a receiving threat, especially on pass rushes designed to get the ball in his hands in space.
Stopped the Chiefs pass
Stopping Walker would be a significant step, but it wouldn’t solve the entire problem. Kansas City’s ground game helps sustain drives and keep the offense in manageable situations, creating opportunities for Mahomes to attack through the air.
Travis Kelce has recorded 299 receiving yards and two touchdowns in five games. Xavier Worthy added 206 yards and a touchdown, while Tyquan Thornton had 219 yards and two scores. Those numbers illustrate that Kansas City can distribute the ball to multiple targets. Thornton will be out due to injury, as will Rashee Rice, so this is a banged up group.
Kelce is particularly valuable because of the problems he creates for linebackers. Seattle had moments of mismatch between its linebackers and defensive front, while coverage against tight ends occasionally left room for opposing offenses.
Ernest Jones, Tyrice Knight (assuming Drake Thomas doesn’t play), and Nick Emmanwori will be integral parts of keeping those responsibilities in order. Seattle must recognize when to prioritize Walker in the backfield and when to consider Kelce working underneath.
The Chiefs don’t have to rely exclusively on explosive downfield throws. If Seattle is so committed to stopping the run, Mahomes can take an easier completion underneath and allow his receivers to gain yards after the catch.
A familiar face, a different challenge
Seattle saw Walker’s explosiveness firsthand, but it was a different challenge than the Seahawks faced when he put on their uniform. Now he’s running an offense led by Mahomes, and the combination makes every defensive mistake more dangerous.
There’s also a historical reminder of how special these reunions are for Seattle. Former Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham once scored against his old team while playing for Chicago. That’s a fun footnote, but Walker is a more major concern heading into this matchup.
The last meeting between Seattle and Kansas City came in November 2022, when the Chiefs won 24–10 with Geno Smith at quarterback for the Seahawks. Seattle’s more memorable recent win came in December 2018, when Russell Wilson and the Seahawks defeated Mahomes and Kansas City 38–31.
The 2018 game offered a reminder that Seattle can compete with an elite offense in Kansas City. But this year’s match will require a complete performance rather than relying on history.
It’s a tough matchup for Seattle, but it’s also an opportunity to change the narrative surrounding its season. Losses to Washington and Denver have created legitimate questions about the Seahawks’ consistency, and another loss could make the road ahead even more difficult. A primetime win against Kansas City, however, would give the team a significant confidence boost and put it back in the conversation as a contender.
The Seahawks don’t have to play a perfect game, but they must avoid the extended lapses that have plagued them recently. Having Walker, pitching well and staying disciplined against Mahomes and Kelce will be important. Seattle has the home crowd and the defensive track record to make it competitive. Now it has to turn those advantages into four quarters of consistent football.