Vikings remain sole unbeaten team as Chiefs fall to Seahawks in Week Seven

The Minnesota Vikings entered week seven of the 2026 NFL season as the only team yet to taste defeat, preserving a 4-0 record after a series of victories that included a dominant performance against the Seattle Seahawks. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs, who had been unbeaten at 5-0, were handed their first loss when they fell 20-3 at Seattle, and the San Francisco 49ers also recorded their first defeat, losing 29-20 to the Atlanta Falcons.

Seattle's defence proved decisive, limiting Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and running back Kenneth Walker to a combined 36 rushing yards on 14 carries. The Seahawks also leaned heavily on wide receiver Jaxon Smith‑Njigba, who posted 150 receiving yards and a touchdown. The victory lifted Seattle to a 4-3 record, while the Chiefs slipped to 5-1.

Background

The Chiefs entered the week with the league's top offence, having amassed the highest total yards per game, while Seattle boasted the best defence by the same metric. The matchup also marked the return of Kenneth Walker, the previous season’s Super Bowl MVP, to Seattle after a brief stint with Kansas City. Walker had been leading the NFL in rushing yards per game (133) after six weeks, but Seattle’s defensive unit, known as the "Dark Side" from their championship run, contained him effectively.

San Francisco’s loss came against the Atlanta Falcons, who forced four turnovers, including two interceptions of quarterback Brock Purdy. Purdy had recently topped the all‑time list for career passer rating, yet the 49ers were unable to overcome the Falcons’ defensive pressure, leaving the 49ers at 6-1.

The week also featured notable performances from other teams. The Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos secured convincing wins, while the Los Angeles Rams, despite a 3-4 record, rebounded with a 35-21 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, highlighted by Matt Stafford becoming the first player to lead two different teams to touchdown passes.

Why it matters

The Vikings’ continued unbeaten streak positions them as a benchmark for consistency in a season where several early favourites have already stumbled. Their perfect record underscores the competitive balance of the league and raises expectations for a potential playoff run.

For the Chiefs, the loss marks a rare setback for a team that had been dominant on both sides of the ball. The defeat may prompt adjustments to their offensive strategy, particularly in handling teams with strong defensive units like Seattle. The loss also impacts the Chiefs’ standing in the AFC, where they now share the best record with the Seattle Seahawks, who improved to 4-3.

San Francisco’s defeat ends their unbeaten run and could influence their positioning in the NFC West, where the Los Angeles Rams are seeking to regain momentum. The Falcons’ ability to force turnovers highlights the importance of defensive play in determining outcomes, a factor that could affect future matchups for both the 49ers and other contenders.

Fans and analysts have noted the significance of the Seahawks’ defensive performance, with the team demonstrating that its reputation from the previous championship season remains intact. The game also illustrates the volatility of early‑season predictions, as teams once considered pre‑season favourites have already experienced losses.

What happens next

The Vikings will look to extend their unbeaten run in the coming weeks, with upcoming opponents yet to be detailed in the sources. The Chiefs, now at 5-1, will aim to rebound in their next fixture, while the 49ers, at 6-1, will seek to regain their winning momentum against future opponents. Seattle, having secured a win, will attempt to build on their defensive success as the season progresses. The league’s schedule indicates that the Los Angeles Chargers, the last winless team, will face the Rams soon, adding another storyline to the evolving season.

Both the BBC Sport and Sky Sports reports confirm the outcomes of the Chiefs‑Seahawks game, with the former providing detailed statistics and the latter offering video highlights. No contradictory accounts were identified, and the information aligns across the two sources.