The landscape of the National Football League shifted dramatically in week seven, leaving only one unbeaten team standing in a campaign where few would have predicted them to take that mantle, BBC Sport reported. While powerhouse teams tumbled, the Minnesota Vikings marched on to maintain their 100% record.

According to BBC Sport, the Kansas City Chiefs suffered a defeat at the defending champions, the Seattle Seahawks, during Sunday's primetime match. The fixture marked the return of running back Kenneth Walker to his former team Seattle after joining the Chiefs in the off-season. Despite leading the NFL in rushing yards per game after six weeks, Walker was restricted to 36 yards from 14 carries as Seattle's defence stifled Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City offence. BBC Sport noted that the Seahawks ran out 20-3 winners, improving their record to 4-3 while the Chiefs dropped to 5-1.

In another major result reported by BBC Sport, the San Francisco 49ers suffered their first loss of the season against the Atlanta Falcons. The hosts forced four turnovers, including two interceptions against Brock Purdy, to secure a 29-20 victory. Meanwhile, NFC West rivals the Los Angeles Rams secured a 35-21 win at the Las Vegas Raiders, where Matt Stafford became the first player to lead two teams for touchdown passes, according to BBC Sport. The Miami Dolphins also recorded a 28-25 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, leaving the Chargers as the sole remaining winless team.

Background

According to BBC Sport, Kansas City and Seattle entered week seven having won three of the past four Super Bowls, holding this season's best offence and best defence respectively in terms of total yards. Seattle's defence reprised the form that earned them the moniker 'the Dark Side' during their previous championship run. BBC Sport also highlighted that Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold leaned on Jaxon Smith-Njigba for 150 receiving yards and a touchdown, while new running back Emanuel Wilson added 100 rushing yards and a score.

Why it matters

For sports enthusiasts following international leagues from afar, shifts in competitive balance demonstrate how rapidly momentum can swing at the highest levels of professional sport. Established favourites face intense pressure from resilient challengers, proving that early-season dominance guarantees nothing as campaigns progress.