The Seattle Seahawks silenced critics after their shaky 3-3 start by dominating the Kansas City Chiefs 20-3 on October 22, 2023. The Seahawks showcased a revitalized offense and a formidable defense, with the Chiefs failing to reach the red zone for the first time in a Patrick Mahomes start.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerged as the star of the night, catching nine passes for 150 yards and a touchdown. His performance solidified his case for a second consecutive Offensive Player of the Year award, as he now accounts for 50.2% of Seattle's receiving yards this season—a feat only previously achieved by Ken Burrough in 1975. Smith-Njigba's odds of winning the award have shifted to +450, trailing only Jahmyr Gibbs and Kenneth Walker III.

Meanwhile, Nick Emmanwori returned to the lineup and significantly impacted the Seahawks' defense, showcasing his versatility by playing at 11 different positions. His presence contributed to Mahomes' interception and elevated the team's defensive performance.

In other Week 7 highlights:

• Cincinnati Bengals overcame a 13-0 deficit against the Baltimore Ravens, winning 35-13. Joe Burrow threw for 249 yards and four touchdowns in a stellar second half.
• The Los Angeles Rams found success with a run-heavy strategy, defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 35-21 despite missing Davante Adams.
• The Houston Texans struggled defensively in a 27-21 loss to the New York Giants, revealing significant flaws in their secondary and rushing defense.

As the trade deadline approaches, teams like the Chiefs, 49ers, and Vikings may look to address their weaknesses, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the season.