The Seattle Seahawks are heading back to the Super Bowl after edging out the Los Angeles Rams in a dramatic 31–27 victory in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday night.
Led by quarterback Sam Darnold and first-year head coach Mike Macdonald, Seattle delivered another unforgettable performance at a rocking Lumen Field, booking their place in Super Bowl LX — an achievement few predicted at the start of the 2025 NFL season.
This was the third meeting between the two fierce NFC West rivals this season, and just like their thrilling Week 16 clash, it went right down to the wire.
A Defensive Stand That Sealed the Game
Seattle’s top-ranked scoring defence produced the moment of the night late in the fourth quarter.
With under five minutes remaining, the Rams faced fourth-and-goal from the 6-yard line. Quarterback Matthew Stafford targeted the end zone, but Pro Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon stepped up, breaking up the pass to preserve the Seahawks’ narrow lead.
The Seahawks defence then forced one final stop, sending the home crowd into celebration and sealing Seattle’s fourth Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.
Sam Darnold Silences the Doubters on the Biggest Stage
Sam Darnold’s journey to the Super Bowl has been anything but predictable.
Signed in March after Seattle moved on from Geno Smith, Darnold guided the Seahawks to a 14–3 regular-season record and the No. 1 seed in the NFC, despite early doubts about his ability to win big games.
On Sunday night, Darnold delivered when it mattered most — and he did it while playing through an oblique injury.
Darnold’s NFC Championship Performance:
25 completions on 36 attempts
346 passing yards
3 touchdown passes
0 turnovers
After struggling against the Rams earlier in the season, including four interceptions in Week 11, Darnold showed poise, accuracy and confidence under pressure.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Shines in Championship Spotlight
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was Darnold’s favourite target and the offensive star of the night.
Key Receiving Stats:
10 receptions
153 yards
1 touchdown
According to ESPN Research, Darnold completed seven passes of 10+ yards downfield, five of which went to Smith-Njigba for 96 yards and a touchdown — a huge improvement from the regular season meetings with Los Angeles.
Special Teams Continue to Give Seattle the Edge
Seattle’s special teams unit once again proved to be a major difference-maker in the playoffs.
Ranked No. 1 in ESPN Analytics since Week 10, Jay Harbaugh’s group delivered another crucial moment early in the third quarter.
Special Teams Highlights:
Dareke Young recovered a muffed punt
Set up Darnold’s second touchdown pass
Extended Seattle’s lead to 24–13
Special teams have now played a key role in three consecutive playoff wins for the Seahawks.
Turning Point: A Costly Mistake Nearly Changes Everything
The Rams briefly clawed their way back into the game thanks to a controversial moment late in the third quarter.
Seattle cornerback Riq Woolen nearly intercepted Stafford on third down but was flagged for taunting, giving Los Angeles a new set of downs.
On the very next play:
Stafford connected with Puka Nacua
34-yard touchdown
Score tightened to 31–27
While Woolen had been playing well since mid-season, the sequence nearly swung the game — one the Seahawks will be relieved to have survived.
Defensive Strategy: Pressure Without Blitzing
Coach Mike Macdonald stayed true to his defensive philosophy.
Defensive Stat to Know:
Seahawks blitzed Stafford just once in the first half
Only 6% blitz rate on 17 dropbacks
Still recorded a sack and consistent pressure
Seattle ranked fifth in pressure rate during the regular season despite blitzing at one of the lowest rates in the league — a trend that continued on Sunday.
One Area Seattle Could Not Solve: Puka Nacua
While Seattle’s defence made the key stops, it struggled once again to contain Puka Nacua.
Nacua’s Championship Numbers:
9 receptions
165 yards
1 touchdown
The Rams’ star wideout has now torched Seattle multiple times this season, though the Seahawks will gladly accept the win despite the challenge.
Rams’ Season Ends in Heartbreak and Uncertainty
For the Los Angeles Rams, the loss marked their first NFC Championship defeat under head coach Sean McVay.
A key moment came early in the third quarter when a muffed punt by Xavier Smith led directly to a Seahawks touchdown — a costly mistake that ultimately proved decisive.
Major Offseason Question: Matthew Stafford’s Future
At 37 years old, Stafford must now decide whether to return for the 2026 season.
Despite the loss, he is coming off a career-best year:
4,707 passing yards
46 passing touchdowns
MVP favourite entering the playoffs
If Stafford returns, the Rams are expected to bring back a roster capable of another deep postseason run.
Seahawks Set for Super Bowl XLIX Rematch
Seattle will now face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX, one of the most memorable games in NFL history.
For a team that entered the season without championship expectations, the Seahawks’ rise has been remarkable — powered by resilience, defence, and a quarterback who delivered when it mattered most.
References
ESPN NFL Coverage
ESPN Research & Analytics
NFL.com Game Recap
Seattle Seahawks Official Media
Los Angeles Rams Official Media
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