Who has the edge? Previewing the matchups in Seahawks vs Chiefs

After back-to-back losses, the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks face the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in a primetime showdown on Sunday night at Lumen Field.

Breakdown: The crux of Seahawks’ offensive struggles

Here’s a look at the matchups on each side of the ball, along with which team appears to have the edge.

Chiefs’ rushing attack vs. Seahawks’ defense

This is a classic strength-on-strength collision. Former Seahawks Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III is off to a torrid start with the Chiefs, leading the NFL with 665 rushing yards and 6.3 yards per carry through five games. Seattle’s “Dark Side” defense has been just as dominant against the run, yielding just 3.5 yards per carry this season while extending its streak to a league-best 35 straight games without allowing a 100-yard rusher. And along the interior, it’s a heavyweight battle with Seahawks defensive tackles Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II squaring off against Chiefs center Creed Humphrey and right guard Trey Smith. Those four linemen have a combined nine Pro Bowl selections.

Advantage: Push

Chiefs’ passing attack vs. Seahawks’ defense

This is another strength-on-strength matchup, with superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes facing a Seattle defense that’s allowed a league-low 5.2 yards per pass attempt. The injury situation might swing this area slightly toward the Seahawks, as the Chiefs will be without both starting tackles and two of their top receivers in Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton. However, there are also some injury concerns for Seattle, with standout safety Nick Emmanwori and veteran edge rushers DeMarcus Lawrence and Uchenna Nwosu each listed as questionable.

Advantage: Seahawks

Seahawks’ rushing attack vs. Chiefs’ defense

The Seahawks are without top running backs Zach Charbonnet and Jadarian Price for at least another week, but they do get right guard Anthony Bradford back for the first time since the season opener. Bradford is one of Seattle’s best run blockers, so perhaps his return can improve a sputtering ground attack that ranks 18th in yards per carry (3.9) and 30th in EPA per carry, according to Sumer Sports. Still, it figures to be tough sledding. Kansas City’s run defense is stout, ranking fifth in yards allowed per carry (3.5) and 12th in EPA per rush.

Advantage: Chiefs

Seahawks’ passing attack vs. Chiefs’ defense

Aside from Seattle having NFL receiving leader Jaxon Smith-Njigba, this matchup leans heavily toward Kansas City. The Chiefs have allowed the fourth-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.1) and rank sixth in pressure rate (42.9%), thanks in large part to mastermind defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s knack for dialing up well-timed, creative blitzes. That could be dangerous for the Seahawks, given their turnover and pass protection issues. Sam Darnold has thrown seven interceptions over the past four games, and Seattle ranks 29th in pressure rate allowed (46.4%).

Advantage: Chiefs

Special teams

The Seahawks ranks 14th in special teams DVOA, while the Chiefs rank 26th, according to FTN Fantasy. Seattle kicker Jason Myers has made 12 of 13 field-goal attempts, including all three from 50-plus yards. Kansas City’s Harrison Butker is 10 of 13 on field-goal attempts, including just 1 of 4 from 50-plus yards. The Seahawks’ punt coverage has been elite, allowing just four returns for 11 yards.

Advantage: Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks news and analysis

• Seahawks Injury Report: Charbonnet out, 5 questionable vs Chiefs
• How Seattle Seahawks have fared recently against star running backs
• Salk: Sam Darnold’s rough stretch will have impact on offseason

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