The Minnesota Vikings emerged from week seven as the NFL's only remaining unbeaten team after a weekend of shocks and statement performances in America. The most eye-catching result saw the Kansas City Chiefs stifled by the Seattle Seahawks, who ran out 20-3 winners and handed the Chiefs their first defeat in six outings.
Seahawks' defence revives Dark Side reputation
Seattle's triumph — which moved them to 4-3 — was a defensive masterclass against an otherwise free-scoring Kansas City attack. The Seahawks limited Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker to just 36 yards from 14 carries, a marked reduction from the pace that had taken him to the top of the NFL in rushing yards per game earlier in the season.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his offence were kept unusually quiet, with Kansas City restricted to only three points — one of the fewest outputs they have produced with Mahomes under centre. By contrast, Seattle got strong production from their offensive weapons: Jaxon Smith-Njigba enjoyed a big night, finishing with 150 receiving yards and a touchdown, while newcomer Emanuel Wilson contributed 100 rushing yards and a touchdown.
"the Dark Side"
The phrase that accompanied Seattle's championship run last season felt apt on Sunday as the defence again dictated the narrative. For Kansas City, the defeat leaves them at 5-1 as they regroup on the back of an unusually anemic performance.
Purdy humbled as 49ers taste first loss; turnovers bite
San Francisco, recently lauded for its electric offence and the top ranking in career passer rating for Brock Purdy, were brought back down to earth by the Atlanta Falcons. The hosts capitalised on four turnovers, two of which were interceptions thrown by Purdy, to claim a 29-20 win and inflict the 49ers’ first reverse of the campaign.
The result interrupted San Francisco's momentum and highlighted how quickly a promising season can be dented by costly errors and opportunistic opponents.
Vikings stand alone; other notable outcomes
While details of every game across the weekend spanned the spectrum from dominant wins to narrow escapes, the overarching storyline is clear: Minnesota remain the only club without a blemish on their record as the campaign heads into its next phase. Elsewhere, the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos recorded significant victories that will please their respective fanbases and coaching staffs, though precise scorelines for those contests were not listed in the round-up.
- Seattle Seahawks 20 — Kansas City Chiefs 3 (Seahawks improve to 4-3; Chiefs drop to 5-1)
- Atlanta Falcons 29 — San Francisco 49ers 20 (Purdy threw two interceptions; 49ers suffer first loss)
- Minnesota Vikings remain the NFL's sole unbeaten team after week seven
| Team | Key stat | Record (post-week 7) |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle Seahawks | Held Chiefs to 3 points; Smith-Njigba 150 receiving yards | 4-3 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | Kenneth Walker 36 rushing yards (14 carries) | 5-1 |
| San Francisco 49ers | Brock Purdy: two interceptions in defeat | First loss of season |
As the regular season progresses, the composition at the top of the table remains volatile. Defences capable of overturning blockbuster offences — as Seattle demonstrated — will be pivotal in deciding playoff positioning and, ultimately, the route to the Super Bowl.
For supporters in the United Kingdom keeping tabs on the NFL, the latest round provided a reminder that reputations can be challenged on any given Sunday and that an unbeaten record is a scarce commodity worth protecting. The Vikings now carry that mantle alone; the question is how long they will hold it as the fixture list intensifies.
