Two of the most recent Super Bowl champions meet on Sunday Night Football when the Kansas City Chiefs visit the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. The game kicks off Sunday, October 25, at 8:20 p.m. ET and airs on NBC and Peacock. The Chiefs enter at 5-0, while the Seahawks, the defending champions, are 3-3.
Kansas City's start has surprised many observers. Many had thought the Chiefs' championship window had closed after a difficult 2025 season, in which Patrick Mahomes struggled and ended the year by tearing his ACL. Mahomes appears to be fully recovered, having scrambled and moved well in the pocket. He has 1,309 passing yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions this season. He still lacks a truly elite receiving option, relying on the older but reliable Travis Kelce. The addition of running back Kenneth Walker III has diversified the offense, averaging about six yards per carry with six rushing touchdowns and opening more room for Mahomes's receivers.
Seattle's season has been less steady. Quarterback Sam Darnold missed time with an injury early in the year before returning the following week. He has thrown seven interceptions and seven touchdowns, with 1,033 passing yards. Last week against Denver, he threw an interception in overtime that set up a field goal opportunity almost immediately, a turnover that effectively decided the game. Seattle's running game has been largely absent this season, a sharp drop from last year. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba remains one of the league's best, with seven touchdown catches.
The Seahawks' three losses have each been by three points or fewer, and the most recent was their third defeat in four weeks. Seattle did have a short-week advantage, having played on Thursday last week and therefore enjoying extra rest. Their wins have come against the Patriots, a Cardinals team described as mediocre, and the Chargers, who have yet to win this season. Seattle's only home loss this season came against the 49ers.
The central questions are straightforward. Can Darnold avoid costly turnovers against a Chiefs team that has played well on both sides of the ball? And can Mahomes solve a Seahawks passing defense that analysts regard as the best in football? Kansas City's rushing defense has been strong, while Seattle's passing defense has been a major asset. For a Chiefs team that has rebounded from a disappointing year, a win in Seattle would strengthen its case as a contender, while a Seahawks victory would help Seattle answer doubts about whether it can repeat its success.