The 2026 season could not have started better for the Kansas City Chiefs. They have come out of the gates 5-0 and look like they are back to the winning ways that took them to five Super Bowls in the last 10 years. They now head to Seattle, where Chiefs superstar running back Kenneth Walker will seek his revenge on his former team.
The Chiefs have leaned on the best run game in football and a top-five defense to drive their early-season success. But now, against the Seahawks, the Chiefs will face a real test as they take on a Seattle defense widely regarded as one of the best in football. The Chiefs will need a stellar game plan to beat the defending Super Bowl champions, but they certainly have the resources to do it Sunday night.
Take time on offense to sort out a very complicated defensive scheme
The Seahawks' defense is one of the most complicated and unique units in all of football. Mike Macdonald is known for creative looks that shift players across the line of scrimmage to keep the quarterback on his toes. Over the years, Patrick Mahomes’ ability to read a defense has improved dramatically, and this Sunday, it will be put to the test.
To succeed, the Chiefs will want to get the play calls in quickly, get set, and let Patrick Mahomes take an early read on the defense. Pre-snap, it will be important to see where Nick Emmanwori is lined up, as he's often the player they want moving across the line. If the Chiefs' offense can take its time and adjust on the fly, it will find early success in Seattle.
Keep RBs involved in the pass game
Seattle has one of the best run defenses in football, and its group will be especially motivated with former teammate Kenneth Walker returning. This will make for a great matchup, as the Chiefs have had easily the best rushing attack in the NFL this season. But the Seahawks' defense has struggled in coverage, especially its linebacker group, which could be caught off guard. Kenneth Walker and Emmett Johnson aren't primarily known as pass catchers, but if the Chiefs can get them involved early, they could catch the Seattle linebackers off guard.
Blitz! Blitz! Blitz!
If you follow the Chiefs, you know defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo does not need any encouragement to ramp up the pressure. But Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold has historically struggled under pressure and against the blitz. Kansas City should look to come out and bring the heat, especially from the secondary, with L’Jarius Sneed and Nohl Williams coming on some corner/nickel blitzes on early downs.
Try to stay in light defensive packages and force Seattle to run the ball
Seattle has one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL this season, and the Chiefs should take advantage of it. After losing Kenneth Walker to the Chiefs, the Seahawks tried to reload at running back, but with injuries to their top two backs and an offensive line that has struggled in the run game, things do not look very good. The Chiefs have corners and safeties who can tackle well, so the defense should play nickel/dime with extra defensive backs and force Seattle to run the ball.
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