Seahawks’ dominant win over undefeated Chiefs sets up intriguing NFC West run

The Seattle team we saw Sunday night is reminiscent of the dominating, stifling team that hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in Santa Clara last February. The running game was solid, but the defense was excellent against Patrick Mahomes, the team’s signature player who didn’t do much, throwing one interception while going 19 of 33 for 165 yards. Then there was Kenneth Walker III, the NFL’s leading rusher and the Seahawks’ Super Bowl LX MVP. Seattle’s front seven stopped Walker, limiting him to 36 yards on 2.6 yards per carry.

Offensively, quarterback Sam Darnold and star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba demonstrated the most prolific connection in the game. Smith-Njigba torched the man coverage moment after moment, catching nine passes for 150 yards and a touchdown, beating first-round rookie Mansoor Delane in the corner. Darnold threw an interception in the end zone, but was otherwise terrific with 257 yards on 9.2 yards per attempt.

Seattle’s overall effort was the best of the year, showing why the Seahawks are not only a threat for another playoff run, but why they could also push San Francisco in the division.

At this point, the 49ers may not have just one big pursuer. Earlier Sunday, the injury-riddled Rams traveled to Las Vegas and scored 35 points in a double-digit win over the Raiders. At 3-4, Los Angeles is still in a significant gap, but the Rams had to start somewhere.

Los Angeles still has major obstacles, including being without receiver Davante Adams, defensive lineman Kobie Turner and edge rusher Myles Garrett for the foreseeable future. However, the Rams also have a favorable schedule in the coming weeks, facing the Chargers, Commanders and Cardinals.

But back to Seattle and what could happen to the defending champions. The Seahawks put their mini-bye to good use before this week and are expected to get running back Zach Charbonnet back next weekend after activating him off injured reserve. Charbonnet hasn’t played since the playoffs, tearing his ACL in Seattle’s win over the 49ers en route to the Super Bowl.

The Seahawks continue their three-game homestand next week, with the high-octane Bears arriving before hosting the Cardinals. After that, Seattle travels to Las Vegas to visit the Raiders before heading to San Francisco for a key Week 12 battle. Notably, the Seahawks will be coming off their bye week for this game.

Ultimately, it’s the 49ers who hold the keys. They’ve already beaten Seattle and Los Angeles on the road (the Rams’ designated home game in Australia). San Francisco still has a few easier games to play, including three of its last four games against the Chargers, Eagles and Cardinals, who as of Monday night are a combined 4-15.

If the 49ers play to their full potential, the Seahawks will need a big push, which almost certainly means winning the rematch between the two powerhouses. It will not be a road paved with diamonds.

But Seattle also knows what it takes to win in tough times, like Sunday night. The Chiefs entered the game with the league’s top-ranked offense and came away embarrassed, scoring three points, zero touchdowns and racking up 213 total yards. Through the first six weeks, Kansas City averaged 414 yards. If the Seahawks can bloody Mahomes and the Chiefs, they can do it against any team in the league, including San Francisco.

The 49ers are off to a strong start in the race for the NFC West crown. But don’t overlook the Seahawks, who just made a move and could have a solid final push down the road.

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